Minister Indar assess flooding at Belle West, Canal Number 2

─coordinates delivery of relief supplies through private sector support

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Deodat Indar pledged to provide support for flood-affected residents of Belle West and Canal Number Two, Region Three, when he on Tuesday conducted assessments there.

Minister Indar interacted with residents whose homes were inundated, and farmers who lost livestock.

Speaking with DPI, he said Government’s priority right now is providing relief to citizens.

“Our main priority is that people have food and to make sure they have a place to stay. That’s the main thing. Any damage or so to property, we are going to look at that at a later date…

The entire country is affected to some extent. So, we really want to make sure that we respond in a measured way,” Minister Indar said.

The Minister said he lobbied the support of the private sector within the Region and was grateful for its generous response.

Beginning today and continuing into Wednesday, residents of Belle West, Goed Fortuin, Meten-Meer-Zorg and Vreed-en-Hoop will receive 100 bags of chicken feed and 500 food hampers.

Those who lost their chicken coops to the flood would benefit from 1000 chickens after the water has subsided.

Other interventions

One of the main areas of focus is the trench that separates Belle West and Belle East. Minister Indar relayed that the waterway has approximately eight free-flowing kokers that permit the movement of water in both directions.

A team from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority has assessed the structures and will proceed to block several of them.

“Four out of them, we have to blind them, so that the water from the trench and from the conservancy and from more inland do not come and flood the residents.”

In the same area, the Minister said a long-boom excavator is currently clearing two culverts to facilitate the drainage of flood waters. These works are critical as the waters must run off during the low tide.

It was noted that the drainage works will also be done in conjunction with the Regional Democratic Council of Region Three.

Throughout Belle West, there were multiple instances where drains were found to be blocked by garbage. As such, the Minister urged residents to ensure that they keep their surroundings clean.

He also urged them to move their electrical appliances and livestock to higher ground as more torrential rains are expected over the coming days.

Meanwhile, Region Three’s Regional Chairman, Mr. Inshan Ayube, who accompanied the Minister on the exercise, lauded the support the Administration has provided.

“This what we are witnessing today is an utter shock because we have monitor-teams day and night in the fields giving us reports as the events unfold itself… I am very happy for the response from Minister Indar and central Government.”

The Regional Chairman commended residents for their cooperation and advised them to remain alert as more flooding is likely.

Members of the Canals-Polder Neighbourhood Democratic Council were also part of the assessment team.