Dear Editor,

Late last year the central business district in Linden experienced the worst flooding in recent history.  To date, there has been no explanation of the cause.  Without understanding the cause the town was not prepared to prevent its recurrence.

Upon enquiring at the Town Council, I was informed that the RDC is taking the lead on investigating and maybe addressing the flooding.   I followed up with a letter to the REO asking what the RDC’s response was to the event, and further asking if there were any hydrometric statistics on the flooding – rainfall, intensity, duration, etc.   I got no response. A few days ago the central business district again experienced serious flooding.  This could have been avoided.

The RDC and the NDIA have spent in excess of $500M over the last ten years on drainage in Linden.  What is the basis and impact of this expenditure?  Are there any noticeable improvements in the drainage and flooding conditions?

Does the RDC have the technical capacity to take the lead on drainage and flood control?  What is the M&TC’s strategy for improving its capacity to deal with drainage and flooding issues in Linden?    Recently a drain (along Wismar Street) was constructed without any outlet; not too long ago a drain in the business district was constructed with the elevation of the outfall being higher than the intake.  There have been numerous failures in drains designed and supervised by the RDC. Many of the recent bid packages are generic, simply copies from previous years.  These examples suggest that the RDC does not have the required capacity, and there is no indication that any attempt is being made address this limitation.

The NDIA has made some useful and meaningful interventions but these also do not reflect a holistic approach and appreciation of the natural environment. A few weeks ago the creek south of Mackenzie High School was “excavated,” and denuded of vegetation.  What was a creek and a unique ecosystem now looks like a canal.  The action does not enhance the drainage in that part of Linden; there was no previous impediment to flow. That particular action was a misapplication of meagre resources.

I am happy to report that at the Cabinet outreach, President Jagdeo agreed to entertain my proposal for a drainage and flood control plan for Linden. I have been promoting this plan since 2003.

Currently there are two major drainage-related construction projects, totalling $78M, underway in Linden:  the drainage upgrade of central Linden  ($37M); and the rehabilitation of culverts at Coop Crescent, Sunflower Street, and D’Anjou Alley ($43M). (The drainage upgrade is an integral part of the River Front Development Project.  The rehabilitation of culverts was initiated by Region 10 Chairman Mortimer Mingo and IMC Chairman Orrin Gordon.  Both projects were originally funded by LEAP.) These are very technical projects that require high levels of construction competency and management.

The RDC, the M&TC and other stakeholders are wasting a great opportunity to understand the drainage system in central Mackenzie, to improve institutional knowledge and to increase their construction management and oversight capability.

Important considerations with major infrastructure and public works projects include community consultation and notification, and potential social and economic impacts.   A review of these projects to date will indicate a total lack of attention to these considerations. There has been no public consultation or notification, no information of the project schedule.

There has been a major disruption to traffic and commercial activity; unilateral actions by one contractor; overall disrespect and disregard of the authority and interests of the local governing agencies by one contractor; health and safety risks to the public; interim actions left too long; and no documented oversight by the RDC.

There is also an appalling disregard of the authority of the M&TC and the RDC by the NOA task force of the Ministry of Finance.  The Clerk of Works selected to monitor these two projects is the RDC’s Acting Works Superintendent.  Concerns about the use of this individual were expressed to the NOA to no avail.  Mr Rodney, the REO, stated that it was a conflict of interest since the RDC has responsibility for overseeing works done through LEAP and government agencies.   The NOA still insists on the use of this individual.  In my capacity as the engineer that developed the scope of work, I do not think that the selected individual was qualified to perform that Clerk of Works function, particularly in the absence of the engineer and the infrequent visits of the Project Manager. I certainly do not think that he can perform both functions (RDC, COW).  Already there are indications that some tasks are poorly executed.

It must be clearly stated that, regardless of the source of funding, the M&TC and to some extent, the RDC, are the clients.  There are certain responsibilities and courtesies associated with the client’s role.  The contractor and the executing agency (in this case the NOA task force of the Ministry of Finance) have specific reporting and consultation responsibilities to the client.

The project affords the M&TC, the RDC, the stakeholders and the community opportunities. The M&TC and the RDC can learn the role and exercise their responsibility as the client; the M&TC and RDC technical staff can learn about construction management and the execution of large public works and infrastructure projects; there can be effective coordination and consultation involving the public, GPF Traffic Department, and other interested stakeholders, including the LCICD, transportation service-providers and impacted businesses; there would be an opportunity for effective use of the media; and the introduction of senior students from LTI and community high schools to construction, construction management and related areas.

The River Front Development Project to date has produced over $120M of construction work.  Neither the M&TC nor the RDC benefited in the areas detailed above – a truly wasted opportunity. It would be useful to conduct a lessons-learned review on the current drainage projects and the River Front Development Project to ensure that the M&TC and the RDC get the maximum benefits from major infrastructure and public works projects.

Yours faithfully,
Samuel Wright