Strained finances cited in drainage works in Linden

By Mark DaCosta- Officials from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) – Region 10 and the Linden Mayor and Town Council convened amidst mounting concerns over drainage issues exacerbating flooding in Linden’s central business district. The joint inspection at the junction of Co-OP Crescent and Republic Avenue underscored the critical need for immediate intervention, as both entities expressed their financial constraints in addressing the ongoing crisis.

Despite repeated requests in budget submissions and direct appeals dating back to 2021, neither the RDC nor the Town Council have secured the necessary funds to undertake essential drainage and infrastructure works. The Regional Chairman, also a board member of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), lamented the lack of allocated resources from these agencies or the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to tackle Linden’s drainage challenges effectively.

“We have engaged extensively with the CDC and NDIA, urging them to deploy their resources to alleviate this pressing issue,” highlighted a spokesperson from the RDC – Region 10. Collaboration between local and regional officials remains pivotal, ensuring that local knowledge informs resource allocation and enhances the efficiency of drainage solutions, Linden’s on-the-ground officials have repeatedly emphasised.

Efforts to secure funding continue amidst a backdrop of heightened urgency following recent floods that devastated parts of Linden. Mayor Sharma Raheem Solomon’s emotional plea for assistance from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government underscored the dire situation faced by residents, attributing the disaster to government oversight in infrastructure planning.

The floods, triggered by heavy rains inundated homes and disrupted lives across Linden. Solomon’s impassioned appeal highlighted the failure of the PPP regime to implement adequate drainage systems alongside recent construction projects, exacerbating the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

As residents grapple with the aftermath of the recent floods, the call for government intervention intensifies. Immediate financial aid, infrastructure repair, and support for displaced families are urgently needed to restore normalcy and mitigate future risks.