AS is to be expected at every sustained period of rainfall, another such occurrence has again exacted the same results on a city and sections of its coastal environs: widespread flooding, with every canal and waterway overflowing their reservoirs; residents suffering the now accustomed experience of water invading their homes, even damaging their household effects in the nightmare that has become their lot, and businesses suffering losses, whenever mother nature sprinkles.

The causes of this perennial fact, we all are aware, and will not be repeated. If it is, then it is to only remind that part of the problem and even the solution rests with some of our citizenry – indiscriminate dumping of garbage that accounts for a significant percentage of the choked drains that has become our experience.

Not a fatalistic resignation, by any reckoning, that such is accepted by citizens; instead, the sad realisation that the Mayor & City Council (M&CC), cannot provide the service of clearing the City’s drainage system, and implementing a daily regime of maintenance.

In fairness to City Hall, they cannot be blamed for the dumping mania. One empathises with them for a practice that is symptomatic of a habit that can only be described as gross filthy and disregarding on the part of citizens whose acts are beyond the description of shameful.
But then one should refer to a gradual situation of neglect, by the Council, of this important routine, even before the unnatural act of dumping became a fact, unlawful, of daily city behaviour.

Why should there only be periodic drain-clearing exercises by City Hall, when such should be continuous? The latter action would, one argues, greatly alleviate the constancy of the now expected deluge, particularly in the uninhibited draining of affected parts.

No one can stop the now larger volumes of rain that are a part of present day weather phenomenon, here, and in many other regions of the globe. However, it is within the power of the relevant authorities, the M&CC in this specific instance, in ensuring a quality and competent system of keeping our waterways and drainage systems in a manner that can prevent the constancy of flooding that whenever, it occurs, occasions loss of millions to our business community, and even to private citizens.

Is this beyond the remit of City Hall? If it is, then it should cease to exist!

MATTHEW HENSON