The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is calling on the Government to urgently address recurring flooding along the KNR Husbands Highway at Heywoods Road, St Peter.
DLP spokesperson on Housing, Transport and Works Ian R. Griffith said several inches of water regularly accumulate along a section of the roadway, creating hazards for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
He said the flooding appeared to point to an inadequate or obstructed drainage system and warned that the issue had become a public safety concern.
“The situation has worsen since work started at the site of a new tourism project in the immediate vicinity,” Griffith said.
He added that while it had not been established whether the development contributed to the flooding, questions must be asked about whether drainage infrastructure was properly assessed and whether stormwater management measures were included in the planning process.
With Barbados in the rainy Atlantic Hurricane Season, Griffith said addressing drainage deficiencies was urgent to reduce the risk of flooding, property damage and disruption.
The DLP is calling for an immediate engineering assessment of the drainage system, an evaluation of the impact of nearby development on stormwater flow, and confirmation that planning approvals addressed flood mitigation requirements.
Griffith also urged the Ministry of Transport and Works to implement both immediate and long-term drainage improvements to protect road users and nearby communities. (PR)