– Regional chairman said NDIA stalling release of funds to clean drains 

SEVERAL families in the community of Rainbow City in the town of Linden are counting their losses after heavy rainfall caused flooding.

The residents said that they face the same trouble every time it rains heavily.

One resident, Ulanda Johnson, whose entire yard and bottom flat was under water, told this newspaper that the flooding began Tuesday, had drained off.

Much to her surprise, around 14: 30 hrs the water level had risen to knee height and the entire bottom flat of her home was flooded.

The vinyl was raised by the water and was seen floating. Johnson said that she has not yet assessed her losses, but is sure that the groceries in the cupboards and the vinyl on the floor will have to be discarded. She fears that her electrical appliances will also be destroyed by the water.

The residents blamed clogged drains for the flooding and accused the relevant authorities of not caring, since it is an ongoing problem.

“If the drains keep clean — not just this drain that is on the road but the main drains — this wouldn’t happen,” she explained. With small children in the home, Ulanda fears that they could be infected from the dirty water and her daughter who is a nursing student currently writing examinations has been inconvenienced from the flooding, as she cannot attend classes.

Commenting on the issue was Regional Chairman Renis Morian. He expressed disappointment, saying the authorities tried to prevent the flooding.
He told this newspaper that the region is in possession of a mini-excavator and another heavy- duty machinery, but is awaiting approval of the funding to commence works to clean the drains in the area and also in Kara Kara.

The Chairman said that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority is stalling the process by not passing the money for the project.

“It’s just back and forth back and forth with him; nothing pleases him,” he said, referring to an official of the Authority.
He said the official was requesting that the work be done before payment is made, but he was not willing to put the labour of the people of Region 10 at stake. He also said that he had sent a correspondence to this officer notifying him of the urgency of the project as the rainy season would commence.

“In Linden where there are no jobs, you can’t put people to work and not pay them.

“The machines are there parked, we are just waiting for the money. We have already identified people for the job.” The Regional Chairman is adamant that the procrastination of this officer is the reason the flood took place.