Works Ministry to get $100M landslide relief

One hundred million dollars will soon be made available to the Ministry of Works for landslide relief in areas throughout Trinidad and Tobago, adversely affected by major mudslides, eroded roads and major structural damage. Areas in Trinidad and Tobago suffered more than 300 land slippages in the past three weeks. Minister of Works Franklin Khan told Newsday he had already prepared a Cabinet note to ask for the funds and would make a statement on the urgency of getting the funds on Monday.

Last Tuesday, Khan met with Roger Ganesh, Director of Highways, to discuss the situation with landslides along the North Coast Road, Toco, Mamoral, Gasparillo, Morvant, Tobago and other affected areas. He admitted that most of the slopes were water-logged and unstable and with each heavy rainfall more land slippages are expected. Ganesh said workmen in affected areas along the North Coast have begun removing the loose embankments as part of the remedial efforts. The mud and slush were being removed from the area. He revealed that when removal of loose embankments were completed, the minstry would carry out slope protection work. That work will be extended to other affected areas. Ganesh called on  the public to desist from travelling along the North Coast Road at this time.

He said people who needed to use the road should do so with caution especially during and after heavy rainfall. Yesterday, the North Coast Road was virtually impassable as workmen from the Ministry of Works continued to clear debris. Four major mudslides occurred Wednesday night which worsened the situation. Owen Charles, president of the North Coast Village Council, said villagers had been coping with the situation. He added that the only problem is a lack of water in some villages, but foodstuff and supplies have been getting into the villages. At Laventille Extension Road Morvant yesterday, continuous rainfall resulted in erosion at Riverside Drive, with portions of the road completely destroyed.