THE heavy rains are still here as predicted by the Hydromet Service and I am pleased by the response of the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies, particularly Mr. Robert Persaud who has been in the forefront to confront the current unpredictable weather conditions. Over the years the improvements to increase the drainage capacity across the country is evident as the system is coping with higher intensity/levels of rainfall. I was most pleased to have learnt that the drainage capacity to drain has increased from two inches in twenty hours to two and a half inches in twenty hours. This is a tremendous effort by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, its engineers, Community Drainage and Irrigation Workers and other major players.
However, there is so much yet to be done to constantly improving our response to erratic weather conditions which has proven to change within minutes as we have seen over the past weeks. While there have been a strong effort by the minister and his team, more support is needed at the local level; RDCs, NDCs and residents as is always at the frontline of defence to prevent flooding in any area.
We all have a role to play as good corporate citizens “to put a helping hand” as Dave Martins said to keep our waterways clear of garbage, report encroaching of embankments and canals and blocking of drains and damage to critical drainage structures. Let’s all resolve in 2011 to be more responsible citizens and dispose of our garbage in an environmentally friendly manner and report any suspicious activities to the relevant officials for action.