A hopeless situation

THE EDITOR: There is a large drain that serves as a public watercourse running next to my home. It has become clogged, it causes flooding and mosquitoes, and has started to undermine my fence wall. As a taxpaying, law-abiding citizen, I decided to partner with the relevant authorities to have the necessary works done to address the problem. By letter dated August 5, 2005, I informed the Couva/Talparo/Tabaquite Regional Corporation of the problem and offered to pay the full labour cost if the Corporation supplied the materials. I later met with the CEO of the Corporation to discuss the matter. She was very cordial. There was a prompt response via a visit by representatives of the Corporation and a written response advising that the drain is the responsibility of the Ministry of Works.

So I journeyed to the Ministry of Works at Chaguanas. A young lady completed a form and told me that someone would investigate and inform me of a decision. I also offered to pay the labour cost if the ministry would supply the materials. Today, several months later, nothing has happened (quite in contrast to the promptness of Regional Corporation). By now I decided to see how ordinary citizens “ketch they tail” to get service from the authorities. So I went to the National Commission for Self-help at Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain. I was provided with a few forms to complete and return. I enquired how long it would take to get some action after I submit the forms. The clerk answered, “About ten years...if you are lucky!” There was laughter from all who were there, both staff and members of the public.

In the meantime the drain is still clogged, my wall is still leaning the mosquitoes are still there and the floods still threaten. Here I am, trying to be a good citizen, trying to avoid the dependency syndrome by offering to assist public agencies with my own money but yet I get a complete run-around. Now I understand why people resort to blocking roads and burning tyres. I would not block roads and burn tyres...but I can vote. Ent?

GLADSTON CUFFIE
Couva