Some of the major rivers in Maraval and Diego Martin are impeded by bushes almost ten feet high.
This concern was raised by Diego Martin North/East Member of Parliament Colm Imbert after a release was issued by the Diego Martin Regional Corporation (DMRC) highlighting the condition of the area’s waterways.
In the release, the DMRC blamed the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) for not fulfilling its mandate to have all waterways dredged and cleared in the Diego Martin area.
Imbert, who toured his constituency over the four-day Easter weekend, said he noted the absence of proper maintenance. He urged the ministry to start clearing the rivers immediately.
“All the rivers are full of bush. The Maraval River has bush ten feet high. I have not seen the bush so high in quite some time, maybe last year.
“The ministry cannot wait till the rainy season to begin for them to come and clean and clear the waterways,” Imbert said.
He added that it was not political but noted that it was something that affected the people.
According to the release issued by the DMRC, it has requested dialogue with the MEWR in hopes of arriving at a solution on the matter.
“Several attempts have been made with respect to correspondence having been sent requesting the basic maintenance and repair of the Diego Martin River to the Minister and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry,” the release stated.
The corporation expressed concern over the failure to clear the waterways and drainage system within the constituency, just two months ahead of the official start of the rainy season.
“The corporation has begun cleaning a section of the Diego Martin River near the Four Roads Recreational Grounds. It has not been cleaned or desilted in months and poses a major health hazard for residents of the region. We do not want our residents to be vulnerable to flooding,” the release stated.
The regional corporation launched its second “All Hands on Deck” programme in February to address the issue of the cleaning and maintenance of secondary drains and minor water courses under its purview.
The two other MPs for the area are Diego Martin West MP and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, and Diego Martin Central MP Dr Amery Browne. Neither could be reached for comment.
Efforts to reach MEWR Minister Ganga Singh for comment also proved futile as calls to his phone went unanswered.