Caroni East MP Dr. Gopeesingh Embarks on Massive Flood Relief Exercise

UNC MP for Caroni East and Minister of Education, Dr the Honourable Tim Gopeesingh, has brought relief to several residents of the Caroni East constituency in wake of the severe flooding that has affected several parts of Trinidad and Tobago over the past few days.

Dr Gopeesingh began touring and embarking on clean up and relief efforts in flood affected areas in the central area on Saturday, November 15, 2014 and continued today, Sunday November 16, 2014, visiting affected areas in Kelly, St Helena, El Carmen, Chin Chin Main Road, Madras Road, Mary Allen Street, Hydraulic Road, Eccles Street and Warren.

He has been accompanied by officials from his Constituency Executive, Ministries of Social Development and the People, the ODPM, all five councillors and Cepep Gangs from the Caroni East area, while getting coordinated assistance from the NOC.

Dr Gopeesingh notes: “This has been the worst flooding in Caroni East in the past 10 years due to the heavy rainfalls affecting the country in the past four days, which has resulted in the Caroni and Wymar Rivers bursting their banks. I have been with my team here on the ground on both days, ensuring that the affected streets, roads and surrounding areas are cleaned.

“We have also done clean-up work for several affected homes, where we’ve cleaned out the mud and water soaked areas, while we have given out hundreds of hampers and mattresses to affected residents,” he adds.

Dr Gopeesingh further points out: “We are also evaluating damage to personal property of flood victims, such as appliances like fridges, stoves, washing machines, and furniture such as sofas. There was one man in Sugrim Trace, near Mon Jaloux Estate, whose house was blown away by the heavy winds, and I got the assistance of an official from the Ministry of the People, who provided the gentleman with immediate short term relief in the form of tarpaulins and mattresses, while promising to ensure that his home is ultimately adequately reconstructed.

“I intend to continue these clean-up operations and relief efforts throughout this week until all affected residents get some form of relief. Meanwhile, I will continue to work with Drainage Division of Ministry of Works to continue to clear number of water courses in the area,” Dr Gopeesingh assured.
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