Like many citizens of our country, to get around I use public transportation most days of the week and walk the rest of the way.No doubt we have watched in dismay at the recent plight of those who have to pass through City Gate (the main transportation hub in Port-of-Spain) to reach their destinations. The floods that occur there and in the surrounding area after a heavy rain, leave travellers stranded for great lengths of time.
Recent images of some of them wading through the floods, waist deep in filthy water were flabbergasting when one thinks of the implications of that situation.Regardless of who is to blame for the flooding, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible as the impact on great numbers of citizens and on many aspects of the business that take place in our main city is substantial.In the rainy season, heavy downpours and the resulting flooding are common. This is an emergency that we can predict yet we seem to be doing nothing about it. If there are actions being taken to fix the problem, people need to know.
Do any of the responsible parties think about what happens when many people can't get to work or can't get home to their waiting children or have to travel when it's dark out, or the countless wasted unproductive hours, or the psychological effects on people, or the significant negative impact on all the businesses that are affected by this problem?The government needs to fix the situation promptly as it affects the lives of so many citizens as well as the functioning and economy of our capital city.
With the rainy season in full swing, it should be a priority to develop a sustainable plan to fix this problem. This is what government is there for. To do any less is irresponsible, unconscionable, depressing and downright disgusting. (Think of walking through drain water.)We are a country of great wealth. We can and should do better than this.
Jenny Baboolal,
via e-mail