This canal causes flooding and needs to be dug out

Dear Editor,

I am of the opinion that the government and the Ministry of Agriculture have tried to grapple with the drainage systems to divert any sort of large scale flooding. I am also of the view that a few shortcomings would be evident at certain locations.

That is why I am highlighting a piece of work that was carried out in my area. First the canal that is connected to the Ogle pump was carefully dug out of the thick vegetation that had arisen. What is surprising is that the canal that runs north to south in the South East Cummings Lodge area and west of Industry Crown Dam and also connects to the outfall canal to Ogle was left unattended to. The refusal to dig the remaining canal has caused severe flooding in the new housing scheme.

Who really cares for the some five hundred odd residents in the Block Y South East Cummings Lodge area? I am informed the University side was also dug out. The roads are left muddy when the water recedes and remain virtually impassable for days. I am in total sympathy with all those who have to traverse through the flood water daily. I think there is a plan for better roads in 2008. May I ask, however, what is the plan for this clogged up canal? Even if it is properly dug the residents of Industry Crown Dam have to desist from throwing their garbage and flushing their pit latrines into that very canal.

Lastly what has really become of the so-called development group that was formed time back in this community?

Yours faithfully,

Tajpaul Gainda