radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Rising sea levels and huge swells are battering coastal homes along Erin Beach causing part of the landing bay to wash away into the sea.
More than 20 homes along the beachfront are facing severe sea water flooding.
During a walkabout at Erin on Thursday, executives of the Movement for Social Justice including party organiser Theophilus Henry and Erin candidate Crystal Bernard met with residents to discuss the problem.
Fisherman Haroun Abdool said over the last month, the erosion has intensified.
“This week alone about five coconut trees fell into the sea. The concrete landing area is washed away and fishermen no longer have any place to bring up their boats,” he said.
Huge slabs of concrete from the landing bay could be seen submerged in the water along with freshly fallen trees. The residents said in desperation they used tyres and tied it along the coast to break the force of the waves. However, this has not stopped the problem.
Annie Harburt said during high tide the water comes onto the road.
“It brings with it all kinds of rubbish. This place cannot stay clean because the sea brings in a lot of garbage,” Harbert said.
“We are also asking to get a basketball court so the youths can have something to do,” she added.
Another resident Sylvia Harjack said it was heart-wrenching to see the sea taking away everything on the land. When the waves beat the shore the water comes running down all by the houses. It is getting worse every time,” Harjack added.
Another resident, Terry Mohammed, said they were fed up of during the year the seas is normal. When the sea starts to roll, it is amazing. The water comes splashing. Every time coming for Christmas time we get this type of wave and this makes the erosion worse,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bernard said they will be making representation to bring relief to the residents.
“We have 20 to 25 houses affected including young children and the elderly. The fishing depot has no fencing and fishermen have said they have no proper place to store their nets and engines. They have faced theft and we are hoping that something could be done to address these issues,” Bernard added.
Leader of the MSJ David Abdulah, who visited Erin, said it was not the first time the fishermen had raised concerns.
“When I was a Senator, I brought in Minister Vasant Bharat to speak to fishermen. Eight years have passed and nothing has been done,” Abdulah said.
He promised that when the MSJ gets into office, he will ensure that proper facilities are put in place for the fisherfolk.
“To do this is not expensive but it makes a huge difference in people’s lives,” Abdulah added.
With regard to coastal erosion, Abdulah said this problem has to be tackled throughout the southern, south western and south eastern coasts.
“I know there are studies being done on erosion as well as mitigation plans. There was supposed to an internally funded project to deal with coastal erosion. I plan to find out the status of those projects,” he added.
