The government has approved a total of $75 million to clear outfall channels and other drainage blockade in the city, Infrastructure Minister David Patterson announced today.

The announcement comes on the heels of flooding in the city and along the coastlands and several parts of the country

“It is our baby, malnourished or deformed, we are here to nurture it back to health,” Patterson said as he explained that the money would be drawn from government’s emergency fund.

Some six pumps are currently working to ensure drainage in the city. Patterson said the money approved on Tuesday is not limited to the clearing of the outfalls but will see work being done on the Kingston, Lamaha, Sussex and Meadow Bank among other outfalls.

There will be land clearing to remove blockades around the city and at several culverts which will be done through a coordinated effort by personnel from the Ministry of infrastructure, Communities and the City Council.

“This is not a solution to the drainage problem,” Patterson said as he explained that this move would be to ensure that rainfall which is expected over the next six weeks will not result in flooding.

Only last year the previous PPP administration spent some $500 million to clean up the City which was expected to avoid flooding.

On Wednesday, the new Minister explained that he could not say how the money was spent but promised that a forensic audit will be done to make that determination.

Meanwhile, the APNU+AFC Cabinet has also given the green light to establish the multi party task force to address the flooding and garbage situation in the city and move to restore Georgetown to its former prestige. The task force, for which the terms of reference are to be drafted, will take a holistic approach to the situation and will in the first phase address drainage and subsequently the traffic situation.

It will also make moves to facilitate urban rehabilitation. “I hope when this is completed, this medium term endeavour, it will be a holistic plan for the renewal of Georgetown” he added.

While consultations will be done, Patterson disclosed that several businesses and houses may need to be relocated before the task force, for which a Skeleton staff will be in place over the next two weeks, can carry out its work.

“We will have to make some hard social and political decisions but we look forward to the support,” he said. Citizens can also look forward to remedial road repairs commencing shortly and citizens are also being assured that measures are being adopted to address health concerns. (Kurt Campbell)

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