The recent flooding in several parts of the island has provoked much debate among citizens and a lot more talk than action from people with the power to get matters rectified.
Since the rapid increase in the number of residential developments across the island, there appear to be more frequent incidents of flooding but with many of the same reasons being given as to why the flooding is occurring.
In order to reduce – if not totally eliminate – flooding, there are initiatives that must be taken and regulations that must be strictly enforced.
• Roads must not be built flat, but with a camber – that is, sloping from the centre to the sides.
• Roads must be built with gutters or trenches on both sides with adequately positioned drainage wells.
• The Government department responsible for the approval of residential or commercial developments must ensure all regulations and requirements are enforced, specifically those related to road-building, landscaping, drainage and wells.
• No approval should be given to developments that pose risks to surrounding areas.
• No approval should be given for developments to be located in, across or through watercourses.
• Legislation applying strong punitive measures for breaches of regulations should be enacted.
It is not good enough to say that “people have to appreciate once development is done in one area, it may affect the flow of water and those downhill may feel the effects of it”.
Flooding can be considered an act of God. Man-made creations must be regulated and enforced by those who have the intestinal fortitude to so do. – Mike Ray
