(Trinidad Guardian) Floodwaters forced more than 25 businesses to close along Penal Rock Road yesterday as intense rainfall triggered extensive flooding.
Disaster management teams were on the ground yesterday, offering aid to residents.
Among the areas worst hit were the five-mile mark near Kubairsingh Hindu School, as well as Goodman Trace and Mulchan Trace.
At the Number 2 Bridge at Carrat Hill Junction, resident Randy Ramtahal said the 18-inch pipes installed at the project could not accommodate the water flow, which comes from as far as Moruga. Ramtahal said the project was supposed to be completed this month, but pile works had failed.
“When you block the main water course and put an 18-inch pipe, there is no way all the water will pass through that. We believe this is what is exacerbating the flooding,” Ramtahal said.
Along the Penal Rock Road, resident Anil Boodoo who owns Lucky’s Unisex Saloon said he was fed up with frequent floods.
“Every time rain falls hard, water goes into the business place. When a vehicle drives, water comes into the shop,” he said.
He said despite making calls for a solution to the floods, nothing was done.
“It is like we are speaking to deaf ears. The drains need cleaning but nobody tries to help,” he said.
Councillor for Qiuinam/Morne Diablo Sarah Sookdeo said over 25 businesses and 1,000 households were affected by the floods.
“A lot of people were unable to go to work this morning,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation, Gowtam Maharaj, said disaster management teams are on the ground bringing relief to flood victims after heavy rains caused over two feet of water to gather in some parts of Penal Rock Road.
“In some places at the five-mile mark, people have called for assistance. Our teams are now out responding to distress calls. The entire main road and side roads are flooded. We are trying to provide as much relief as possible,” he added.
He also said that the bridge at Monkey Town was also incomplete, and people were concerned that the perennial flooding at both sites would cause further setbacks and prevent the bridges from being completed before the start of the new school term.
