Gov't funding North Ruimveldt drainage works

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds being led by Norma Joseph,
a North Ruimveldt resident to inspect the works that
were funded by Government.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Presidential Advisor on Community Development, Odinga Lumumba on Wednesday visited North Ruimveldt to inspect work that was done in the area to prevent flooding.

Last year, a few concerned citizens from North Ruimveldt approached the Prime Minister; requesting assistance to clear minor drainage structures such as culverts and canals which have been neglected by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) under whose purview the area falls.

In response, Central Government, as a result of the Prime Minister’s intervention made available $3.5M which was spent to enhance the area; bringing the much needed relief to the residents.

Lumumba said that North Ruimveldt needs specific attention, particularly as it relates to drainage; noting that in some areas, drains are non- existent. This he said, leads to water inundating the roads, which eventually start to deteriorate.

“Repairing the roads wouldn’t really solve the problem because water keeps having permanence on the road,” he said.

He further explained that in some areas the roads are very low, which is why they are focusing on clearing the drains; however, the Public Works Ministry has commenced work in rebuilding some of the roads.

One resident, Norma Joseph expressed her appreciation at the expediency with which the matter was addressed at the level of the Prime Minister. Works commenced in November last year.

Ricardo Blackman, another resident expressed his concerns with regards to maintenance, a matter which the Prime Minister said he will try to make provisions for under the 2012 national budget.

Meanwhile, Lumumba called on the M&CC to take its responsibility seriously with regards to the area and other areas in the City and urged residents to demand more from their municipality since they are paying taxes.