By Alicia Chamely

THE Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (RDLG) continues to work assiduously to prevent flooding in areas most prone.

Line minister Khadijah Ameen met with the Princes Town Regional Corporation on Tuesday to further discuss flood mitigation measures and other issues affecting the corporation.

Speaking to the media at the Corporation’s office at Hosein’s Mall, Princes Town, she said, “We have reinforced equipment, human resource and the manpower as well as technical support to every corporation.”

With the inter-ministry approach with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ameen said, “All those watercourses that are interconnected, work is going on in a very intense manner that you have not had before.”

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Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen tells Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi to “take a rest.” She says jobs will be secured under the government. Video: Sue-Ann Wayow @khadijahameenbusiness @uncandproud @uncofficialtiktok @uncnationalyoutharm @the_unc_movement #employment #jobloss #statement #government #localgovernment

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She also said, “We have asked every regional corporation to identify the source of the flooding and to make recommendations on what could be done to correct it. In some cases, it requires us to clear water courses. In some cases, we have to build up banks and put in flood gates and pumps but there are instances where infrastructural work is required.”

Ameen said consideration will also be given to have litter wardens be directly employed by corporations instead of their current arrangement – being employed by the ministry and then dispatched to the various corporations.

Additionally, emergency shelters were being set up with the differently-abled in mind she said.

Speaking to council members, the minister advised them to communicate well and accept advice from each other especially technical and senior officers.

“To the younger ones, don’t discredit the wisdom of the old people at all,” she said adding, “Let’s find ways to work and collaborate.”

Ameen said she was understanding of the corporation’s challenges and lack in resources, human and physical but  also encouraged them to do more.

Chairman of the Corporation Gowrie Roopnarine thanked the minister for her visit as they headed to a site visit at Robert Village in the constituency of Princes Town.

Member of Parliament for Princes Town Dr Aiyna Ali was also present at the meeting.