EDITORIAL: Fix problems before more flooding occurs

ONE of the things that Government has to do, and in a hurry, is to undertake a massive programme to improve drainage in the country. The downpour which drenched the country on November 29 this year serves as a timely warning that Barbados remains a flood prone country and that severe rainfall such as what occurred then can create real problems for many people. 

 

Recently, the House of Assembly passed a Resolution which allows for a clean up campaign to be undertaken to rid the country of the bush that has taken hold as a result of the heavy rainfall the country has been getting since September. As part of that clean up programme, some of the funds allocated should be used to improve drainage, particularly in areas where it is really needed. In the event where this is not possible, then funds have to be found to deal with this situation which is threatening, to say the least. 

 

For over four hours on November 29, some districts received six or more inches of sustained rainfall with the Government Meteorological Office issuing a flood warning for Barbados. Areas around the City including Baxters Road, Fontabelle, Bay Street and Halls Road, resembled flowing rivers following that downpour. Reports coming in from other parts of the country also revealed similar stories as vehicles became stuck in the flood waters, which also invaded many homes and some businesses, and caused damage to roads. All told, damages were estimated at thousands of dollars for a country that is very short on money.

 

Flooding is nothing new to Barbados as periodically the country has experienced this type of activity. What we are seeing these days in the latter part of 2016, is a pick up in rainfall. The showers are very welcome and the farming community has to a large extent indicated that the rainfall is a blessing considering what transpired in the months of this year when Barbados experienced extended dry periods because of the absence of rainfall. Their fear, however, is that while the rain is important to their business, too much of it can affect their fields and crops, redounding to a decline in sales and a hit on their pockets.

 

Many reasons have been put forward why the country is subjected to the flooding which is happening on a regular basis. There are allegations that a lot of unplanned developments are taking place and in areas close to water courses. Illegal dumping in gullies is another example cited. Once the latter takes place it contributes to a restriction in the flow of water through those gullies and into the natural outlets, including the sea. The clearing and cleaning of canals and wells has not been taking place as often as they should and this too adds to the situation. 

 

It is now time for the authorities to come to grip with these issues, before the situation deteriorates further. It cannot be business as usual when almost an entire nation is placed at risk because of what is going on. The images of the flooding which were shown on television and in the print media should be enough to convince the powers that be that there is a problem that must be fixed. Government has to find the resources to remedy this situation. Nothing more, nothing less.