Dear Editor,

I wish to commend the authorities for clearing the trench parallel to the Success Public Road, following my recent letter in the Stabroek News.

Unfortunately, the trench remains stagnant, nearby yards are flooded, fences are collapsing, the foundation and shoulder of the East Coast Demerara Highway remains threatened and if the parapet suffers soil instability the street lights will fall.

The problem is that the work was not done properly because under the bridges was not cleared. While these bridges provide access to private properties, the authorities still have jurisdiction over the parapets and should have ensured that the work was done properly.

The residents of Success are, therefore, calling on the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Regional Democratic Council, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud and Public Works Minister Robeson Benn to find a lasting solution to this problem.

The Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, also needs to pay attention to this because the stagnant water is posing a serious health hazard.

Given the fact that the parapets over which bridges run are government reserves, I would like to recommend that the authorities remove or clear under the bridges so that the water can flow freely.

This was done in Montrose/Vryheids Lust when the Atlantic Ocean waters were inundating that village some months ago, so there is precedent that has worked well to alleviate flooding in that area.

Why can’t the same be done for Success to save public and private property from damage, destruction and pollution?

Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)