By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

WORKS Minister Clay Sweeting said flood mitigation is a crucial priority for his ministry, but it is unrealistic to promise complete eradication of flooding.

Torrential rains have left some roads impassable this year, causing significant flooding in low-lying areas of New Providence.

During yesterday’s weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Sweeting revealed details about the New Providence Drainage Culvert Rehabilitation project, which has targeted the East Downtown area, one area prone to flooding.

He said more than a dozen drains have been cleaned and repaired, significantly improving water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the region. However, despite these improvements, some areas, including East Bay Street and Dowdeswell Street, still experienced flooding after the last downpour. 

Mr Sweeting said teams are currently assessing additional measures to address these vulnerable areas. He said because of climate change, flooding is inevitable, and innovative solutions are necessary. 

“I wouldn’t want to say as the Minister of Works or as the Minister of anything that once you do this, you will not have flooding in New Providence,” he said. “I mean, it’s impossible for me to sell you a dream, to say that you’ll never have flooding anymore.”

“I think, as Bahamians, I don’t think that we recognise that. I think for us as a ministry, it’s important for us to find innovative ways that’s been used other countries to help the water to subside much, much more quickly and you know, and maybe find something that’s worked in areas such as the UK or in areas in New Orleans. 

“So, we continue to do that, of course, we have budget constraints, but we’re doing what we can and I think that throughout New Providence, I think people can appreciate that we have done a lot to help to alleviate some of these drain issues.”

Mr Sweeting also announced that his ministry would soon issue a request for proposals (RFP) for tech developers to create a geo-tagged Advanced Drainage and Mapping App to better track the individuals responsible for cleaning the drains and assist with drainage solutions.