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MP Ameen Criticizes Minister Faris Al-Rawi’s Response to South Flooding Crisis
Posted On 15 Nov 2024
Opposition Shadow for Local Government and Member of Parliament for St. Augustine, Ms. Khadijah Ameen, has expressed disappointment in the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Faris Al-Rawi, for what she describes as a lacklustre and inadequate response to the recent flooding crisis in South Trinidad.
MP Ameen labelled the Minister’s response to Urgent Questions from the Opposition at today’s sitting of the House of Representatives as “weak,” criticizing his focus on disputing the numbers of affected persons rather than addressing the urgent needs of those impacted. “Instead of quibbling over semantics, whether it’s hundreds or thousands of persons affected, the Minister should be on the ground, assessing the situation, outlining immediate relief measures and sharing a clear plan to prevent future flooding,” Ameen stated.
The MP highlighted the ongoing efforts of Penal/Debe Regional Corporation Chairman Gowtam Maharaj and UNC Councillors, who are working tirelessly despite limited resources. She urged the Minister to act expeditiously by deploying essential equipment such as trucks, backhoes and water trucks, as well as providing manpower, cleaning supplies, clean drinking water and other necessary relief items to the corporation to enhance their response efforts. She also encouraged members of the public to continue providing assistance by contacting Chairman Maharaj at
647-0685.
On Wednesday, MP Ameen was amongst a team headed by Leader of Opposition Hon Kamla Persad Bissessar who is MP for the affected area in Siparia constituency who toured the area and delivered relief supplies to residents.
