Manpower better than machines
THE EDITOR: An area in the Oropouche Lagoon which has experienced significant drainage problems since 2004 is that which is drained by the Cunapo River, a major watercourse that drains a considerable extent of land, and which empties into the 40 foot trench. The channel is controlled by the St John’s sluice gates, and into which several other rivers confluence. The method used by drainage division of the Ministry of Works for a few years now, is to use machinery to clear the watercourses. This policy has considerable drawbacks in low-lying areas, where it is impossible to use machines except after a prolonged dry spell. In 2005, the Cunapo channel was severely clogged. All the channels feeding to it were stagnant, and the considerable acreage of its lower course, which is cultivated during the dry season, was waterlogged, or under stagnant water. Repeated complaints and extensive correspondence with the ministry produced action only towards the end of the dry season, when the machine was able to operate. The area at the outfall of the Cunapo had to be cleared by manpower, as it was inaccessible to machinery. It is necessary that the drainage division return to the full-scale use of manpower to clear the watercourses under its control. This method is the best. SURENDRA SAKAL La Romaine
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"Manpower better than machines"