By Chantalé Fletcher
A SHORT and medium-term plan has been developed by the Drainage Division of the Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) to address matters affecting residents of La Paille Village.
On Wednesday, MOWT stated they were aware of residents’ concerns but stated that the issue was not simple.
It comes after residents staged a protest led by Chaguanas MP Dinesh Rambally at the Caroni Roundabout on Wednesday.
The MOWT release stated, “In 2019, restoration works were undertaken at this location, however, it was not sufficient given the magnitude of the problem. As such, the ministry saw the need to establish a permanent solution of slope stabilisation and erosion control, which required a comprehensive design inclusive of surveys, soil investigation, and analysis.
“The required solution for issues of this nature, particularly along the Caroni River, is not simplistic and cannot be implemented overnight.”
The ministry stated such solutions require extensive time, geotechnical and hydraulic research to ensure that the proposed engineering measure is adequate.
The ministry stated that it continued to embark on a multipronged approach to mitigate flooding in the Caroni River Catchment and other catchment areas across Trinidad.
The Drainage Division was currently conducting its annual comprehensive desilting programme with over 20 desilting projects being undertaken on the Caroni River and its tributaries.
However, the ministry allegedly stated that a resident prevented them from executing temporary measures.
“To temporarily alleviate this ongoing issue, the Ministry attempted to execute a short-term solution, which required access to the failed portion of the embankment. The resident at this location, however, did not allow access to the river to enable the Ministry to execute the necessary works.”
The ministry stated that to date, the Drainage Division has exhausted its available options to access the site via this preferred point of entry.
“As a consequence, an alternative option has been developed and will include the re-establishment of the embankment and realignment of the river from the northern embankment of the Caroni River. These works are expected to commence in approximately one month,” the release stated.
The ministry reminded the general public that unplanned developments on or in close proximity to river embankments pose a severe threat to both property and the individual.
