The Ministry of Works and Transport continues to embark on a multipronged approach to mitigate flooding in the Caroni River Catchment and other catchment areas across Trinidad. The Drainage Division is presently conducting its annual Comprehensive Desilting Programme with over twenty (20) desilting projects being undertaken on the Caroni River and its tributaries.
As it relates to the La Paille project, the Ministry is aware of the issue and the Drainage Division has developed a short and medium-term plan to address the problem. In 2019, restoration works were undertaken at this location, however, it was not sufficient given the magnitude of the problem. As such, the Ministry saw the need to establish a permanent solution of slope stabilization and erosion control, which required a comprehensive design inclusive of surveys, soil investigation and analysis. The required solution for issues of this nature, particularly along the Caroni River, is not simplistic and cannot be implemented overnight. Such solutions require extensive time, geotechnical and hydraulic research to ensure that the proposed engineering
measure is adequate.
To temporarily alleviate this ongoing issue, the Ministry attempted to execute a short-term solution, which required access to the failed portion of the embankment. The resident at this location, however, did not allow access to the river to enable the Ministry to execute the necessary works. To date, the Drainage Division has exhausted its available options to access the site via this preferred point of entry, to execute the temporary measures.
As a consequence, an alternative option has been developed and will include the reestablishment of the embankment and realignment of the river from the northern embankment of the Caroni River. These works are expected to commence in approximately one (1) month.
Once again, the Ministry takes the opportunity to remind members of the general public that unplanned developments on or in close proximity to river embankments, pose a severe threat to both property and the individual.
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