Works Ministry promises major ease in flooding

The Ministry of Works and Transport has mobilised its drainage gangs, equipment and technical staff to clear water courses in flood-ravaged areas to afford some form of immediate relief. In a release yesterday, the ministry stated it is undertaking flood mitigation measures to reduce the incidence of flooding in flood-prone areas. The release also revealed that the measures include the installation of control structures on the Caparo River and the Honda River and short-term improvement works.

This will be enhanced with the construction of the Mamoral Dam and associated works that will commence in fiscal year 2004/2005. Construction cost is estimated to be in the vicinity of $125 million and on completion of these major works, it is expected that the peak flows in the Caparo River would be regulated and flooding significantly abated. The ministry is also working on implementing major improvement works to the Caroni River,  from St Helena to Kelly. The drainage division is also undertaking dredging works in the major outfall channel in East Trinidad.