It is with great frustration and a sense of helplessness that we highlight this situation which cannot seem to get the attention of relevant authorities. In November last year my 86-year-old mom, who is a pensioner and not very mobile, awoke to a land slip approximately three feet away from her house, (and currently, 10 feet away from the road).
�The problem has arisen as a result of a lack of drainage in the area, which stems from neglect from past and present administrations.
As a result, all the water used from homes at the top of the slope and rain water, naturally flow to the bottom of the hill. Eventually, and with all the rains experienced late last year, the land became saturated causing the entire slope to collapse, leaving us in the situation we are in now.
We personally hired a civil engineer who confirmed that the entire slope is collapsing, including the road.We are not in a position to do anything to save our homes, unless the Ministry assists with drainage and other measures to prevent further slippage.
We have contacted everyone possible: the ODPM, the Regional Corporation, the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Local Government.
The situation was highlighted on both television and print media. The Regional Corporation considers it a national disaster, too big for them to handle and has indicated that the Ministry of Works need to get involved. Minister Franklyn Khan has acknowledged our letters and sent correspondence to Minister Hinds for assistance.
We have received not even an acknowledgement from the office of the Minister of Works. We have pleaded with everyone possible, including all divisions under the Works Ministry, but all we are being told is that they have no funds.
As the rain continues to fall this year, and we are expecting a lot more, any further slippage will take the house with it and next, the roadway.In the meantime, my mother continues to live in fear of not knowing if her house will collapse, while no one seems to care about her situation.
While we are not activists or political fanatics, as a citizen, it is unfair and discriminatory, to be sidelined and ignored because of where you reside. Personally, this situation is heartbreaking knowing that you must suffer for services while politics is at play.
Where is the care and concern expressed by the nation's Prime Minister that he is the Prime of Trinidad and Tobago?
We eagerly await some action by the Government.
Mala Balgobin
230 Indian Trail Village, Couva