The Ministry of Public Works and Communication will be carrying out remedial works to strengthen embankments at the Ruimveldt and Princes Street outfall channels to shore up that section of the city’s drainage system.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn on Thursday made this announcement after he and Technical Adviser Walter Willis inspected several outfalls and key structures in the city, a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said.
It was observed that the northern wing wall at the Ruimveldt outfall, which drains the Laing Avenue canal, is eroding. At Princes Street, the southern wing wall is being affected by erosion while the timber revetment is leaning into the channel.
Arrangements have been made to start remedial works at these locations through the Sea and River Defence Unit (SRDU) of the public works ministry along with the Mayor and City Council. The public works ministry and the City Council carried out similar works to the sluice wall at the Kingston outfall recently.
Additionally, the SRDU and the Maritime Administration will be making efforts to clear shipwrecks and fishing boats blocking the Ruimveldt outfall channel. Benn noted that this is a serious situation facing many outfalls countrywide.
