Planning Minister: We will act on errant builders

In a Sunday Newsday interview, Robinson-Regis said improper construction practices was contributing to the problem of flooding and made it clear that such action will not be tolerated under her watch.

“We are working with errant builders to have them conform and going to the courts in the case of those who refuse to follow the law,” she stated.

Regarding other measures to tackle flooding, Robinson-Regis said Government was currently pursuing the establishment of a waste management authority through the Solid Waste Management Company Ltd (SWMCOL).

“The decision was made by Cabinet in March 2017 to provide SWMCOL with the mandate to undertake the functions of a waste recycling authority for Trinidad and Tobago with the aim of easing the burdens on our landfills and modernising local waste disposal,” she said.

Robinson-Regis observed that citizens were yet to embrace a culture of recycling which, she believes, will greatly aid in waste management.

The Ministry of Works and Transport, she said, was currently involved in a nationwide assessment of drainage works in all constituencies to develop a plan for addressing our water courses and national drainage system.

“This is providing data on some of the more recent challenges being encountered which also involves input from the residents of these various communities.”