By Sue-Ann Wayow
The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (MOWI) has been deployed to monitor high-risk communities as the country remains under a yellow weather alert.
Some high-risk areas were Arima, Sangre Grande, Chaguanas, Caroni, Penal Rock Road, La Fortune Pluck Road, Diego Martin, and Suchit Trace, the ministry stated in a media release on Monday evening.
The ministry is also calling on the public to do their part and prevent flooding by not participating in certain activities such as dumping of rubbish in watercourses.
The ministry stated its efforts have been conducted in collaboration with the respective regional corporations to regulate water flow and execute urgent drainage interventions where needed.
MOWI stated, “As unpredictable weather patterns persist and the rainy season continues, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure remains fully mobilised. Our teams are actively monitoring, responding, and implementing sustainable solutions to safeguard communities. We reaffirm our commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods and call on all citizens to join us in building safer, flood-resilient communities across Trinidad and Tobago.”
The MOWI has partnered with the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation to mobilise equipment along Warren Monroe Road to remove a significant blockage. Similar coordination is currently underway with the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation to address a blockage in the Lazzari River once water levels permit.
As part of its broader flood management strategy, the ministry has intensified monitoring and management of high-risk, flood-prone areas.
Pumps and floodgates are fully activated and operational in the following communities:
• Bamboo #1, #2, and #3
• El Socorro South, Aranguez
• Trinidad Point, Siparia
• St. John Avocat
• Tulsa Trace, Penal
• Felicity, Chaguanas
• South Quay, Port of Spain
Beyond immediate efforts, the MOWI is also adopting proactive strategies to address the increasing threats posed by flooding.
Key components of this approach include:
• Continuous execution of the National Desilting Programme
• Expansion and Upgrade of major Drainage Infrastructure
• Modernisation of Pumps and Floodgates across the country
• Ongoing Clearing of River Mouths
• Implementation of the Strategic Drainage Plan
The Strategic Drainage Plan (SDP)
The ministry stated, “Understanding our role as the provider of foundational infrastructure, which includes the management and maintenance of major watercourses, the MOWI is undertaking the execution of priority projects under the SDP that would impact vulnerable areas through the implementation of short-term, medium and long-term actions.”
Key SDP objectives include: immediate works in high-risk areas such as Caroni, Couva, Diego Martin and Port of Spain and mapping of long-term initiatives to mitigate flooding across the country
The ministry has commenced critical works under the SDP, including the Caroni River Rehabilitation and Improvement Works Project.
Additional flood mitigation studies are being planned to support long-term solutions for other watercourses, such as the South and North Oropouche, Arima, St Joseph, Tunapuna, Sangre Grande and Caparo rivers, the ministry stated.
Public Partnership to assist with flood alleviation
The ministry stated, “While the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure continues its response initiatives, one of the most persistent challenges remains improper waste disposal. The dumping of household garbage, construction waste, and bulky items into drains and rivers severely compromises drainage capacity and contributes significantly to flooding.”
Citizens are urged to take action by: disposing of waste responsibly, avoiding the dumping of debris in drains and watercourses, reporting blocked drains to local authorities, refraining from redirecting or obstructing watercourses and seeking proper planning approvals before beginning construction (Town and County Planning Division and the Regional Corporation).
“These simple but impactful actions play a critical role in supporting national flood prevention efforts,” the ministry stated.
