Caption: Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar assisting flood victims in Penal on Wednesday
IN the wake of extensive flooding across Penal/Debe and other regions in South Trinidad, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has urged the government to classify the area as a high-priority relief zone.
Speaking on Wedenesday at her Siparia constituency office, Persad-Bissessar highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated response from both the Central Government and local regional bodies to assist those severely affected.
She reported that “thousands” were stranded, schools were closed, and workers were trapped due to the relentless rainfall and thunderstorms.
The Penal/Debe Regional Corporation’s Disaster Management Unit, alongside the Defence Force, facilitated the evacuation of students and residents as floodwaters inundated the streets, she said.
Although some flooding had receded by Wednesday afternoon, Persad-Bissessar called for urgent government intervention. She appealed to Local Government Minister Faris Al-Rawi to allocate resources swiftly.
“The Ministry of Local Government and line minister Faris Al-Rawi must immediately declare a high-priority relief area to allow Government ministries to urgently allocate necessary resources to address the affected communities and residents,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar attributed the flooding to illegal activities such as backfilling lands, filling watercourses, dumping garbage, and unauthorized developments.
While acknowledging residents’ responsibilities, she insisted it was the government’s duty to enforce laws and support affected communities.
She also called for involvement from the ministries of Social Development and Public Utilities to provide relief grants and potable water amid a Desalcott plant shutdown.
Persad-Bissessar also criticised budget reallocations that weakened the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation’s disaster response capability, noting $43 million was diverted to other programmes, impacting vital disaster preparedness and drainage projects.
PDRC Chairman Gowtam Maharaj echoed these concerns, declaring the flooding a disaster and stressing the urgent need for additional resources for cleanup and recovery efforts.
