The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government has reported at least two collapsed roadways, following heavy torrential rainfall and flooding across the country over the past few days.
But Minister Khadijah Ameen assured that all systems are in place to deal with any eventuality, including getting CSEC and CAPE students to their exams.
Speaking to reporters during a Post Cabinet Media Briefing on Thursday evening, Minister Ameen detailed the extensive efforts underway to mitigate flooding and protect citizens.
She said widespread flooding, landslides, and collapsed roadways were reported across multiple regions, including Sangre Grande, Tunapuna-Piarco, and Rio Claro.
“Two completely collapsed roadways, one at Bigette Road, Poole Village, Rio Claro, and one at Heights of Aripo in Arima. We have dispatched engineering teams to make recommendations so that we could immediately make provisions for residents to access their homes.”
Despite the inclement weather, Minister Ameen said the government ensured that students sitting CAPE exams were not left stranded, praising the collaboration between Ministries and the military in transporting students through flooded areas.
“Many students did make it to school without the support, but where students were terribly affected, I’ll tell you, in the San Rafael area, in an area called Petersfield. I mean, we had students going to Port of Spain, St. Francois Girls, coming up to Lakshmi Girls College, and many of those areas, apart from the students, the area surrounding the students, home being flooded out. The route to get to the school was also flooded out.”
She said her Ministry has also distributed 450 sandbags and other essential items, urging citizens to prepare early.
“Sandbags are available at every Regional Corporation. And I want to repeat to members of the public, please do not wait until the water is at your doorstep to get your sandbags. We have widely advertised our sandbag location or collection points, and we urge you, as communities too, to get involved.”
Minister Ameen also hailed the Prime Minister’s proactive approach in initiating early flood preparation.
“The Prime Minister’s instruction to plan ahead and to prepare before the rainy season really enabled us as Ministers, our Regional Corporations, and all our state agencies to move swiftly and to protect lives and support families and students in real time.”
She said work done in teaming up with various Regional Corporations has worked wonders.
“So that you have intense work in specific areas at a time, and the removal of the debris, because when the clear drains, you must remove the debris and because of that, you have a lot of those watercourses were clear. So even though the flood, we did have some flooding, the water went down faster.”
The Minister also called on all Local Government Councillors, regardless of political affiliation, to be on the field and ensure flood mitigation takes place in every region.