Dear Editor,
I applaud our new government for taking immediate steps to effect a clean-up of the capital city, but I would like to share my observations regarding the most recent flooding of my street, recognising that every bit of information could contribute to a proper diagnosis of the problem.
It is a well-known fact that Kingston, Georgetown (Ward 1 in the pre-Independence years) has been affected by flooding for decades, and that the problem has worsened with each passing year. It is extremely puzzling that such a problem was allowed to continue in an area which houses so many important buildings, including two foreign embassies and the Office of the Prime Minister.
I am a resident of Lot 109 Barrack Street, Kingston. A tour of my street during episodes of flooding will show that the area immediately outside my home seems to be the most vulnerable spot in the entire street.
This is evidenced by the level of floodwater which can accumulate there at any given time. On top of this situation, we at Lot 109 have been coping for many years with high levels of stagnant black water accumulating in the drains outside our home. Our drains are never devoid of smelly, silted water, even in a dry spell, and the slightest rainfall can trigger an overflow.
The most recent episode of flooding occurred after heavy rainfall during the night of Thursday, June 11 continuing into the early hours of Friday, June 12. I awoke and proceeded with trepidation to assess the situation from the upper flat of my home. I was astounded that my yard, bridge and surrounding areas were not flooded. It was unbelievable, and I remarked that this had to be a miracle. For the rest of the morning I enjoyed the intermittent light showers which continued close to midday, and assured myself that better days were indeed coming.
By about 1 pm everything changed! Brown muddy water, resembling river water, began to accumulate on my bridge and surrounding area and in my yard. My surroundings remained inundated for approximately 5 hours. After decades of battling with floodwaters, I am able to recognise when something unusual occurs. On this occasion, what was different was the colour of the water and the time at which it entered and exited my area. Could someone in authority offer an explanation for this misfortune, please?
Yours faithfully,
Ranjana Williams
