By Alicia Chamely

MINISTER of Rural Development and Local Government (RDLG) Khadijah Ameen has met with key corporations in the southern region: the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation, Penal/Debe Regional Corporation, and Siparia Borough Corporation as a part of the ministry’s Flood Mitigation and Shelter Management Exercise 2025.

In a press release sent on Wednesday, the RDLG stated, “Ameen observed first-hand critical works in progress—including desilting, drainage upgrades, and embankment reinforcement—aimed at reducing flood risks in vulnerable communities.”

With the hurricane season having started, the RDLG said, “the Ministry has maintained its proactive stance on disaster preparedness—building on momentum established through pre-season mitigation initiatives and continuing its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”

The RDLG said these visits were in line with Ameen’s mandate of “all boot on the ground” and highlighted the inter-ministerial cooperation needed to mitigate flooding, as both the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries also played a pivotal role in ensuring the country’s disaster preparedness.

The release said Ameen also paid a visit to the Rural Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, where she held discussions on national development priorities and project implementation strategies.

The RDLG stated, “These engagements reflect the Ministry’s sustained focus on infrastructure modernization, strengthened community safety, and deeper institutional collaboration across all levels of local.”