THE HEAVY RAINS which lashed the island for several days have caused flooding in many communities. Some have blamed the severe flooding on poor drainage and are calling on the Government to take immediate steps to rectify the situation.
"I live in a housing scheme in Clarendon and last week was the third time in two years that we were flooded out," one of the residents said.
"The last time we were marooned in our homes, from Hurricane Dennis in July this year we got many promises from government officials that the problem would be solved. So far nothing has happened and our homes have again been flooded with water almost reaching the ceiling."
Another resident who was frustrated with the problem said when she bought her house she had no idea that she was going to live in a pond whenever it rained heavily.
"I worked very hard to get the money to buy my house and I firmly believe that after working so hard to buy a house I should be living in comfort in my home.
"A few months after I moved in, I noticed that when it rained my backyard was flooded with water. The situation was worse during Hurricane Dennis and I was forced to move from my home after the water started running through my house. My furniture were destroyed because of the flooding. I had no idea I was going to live in a pond when I bought the house and I am very upset that each time it rains heavily we are faced with the problem of flooding."
BRAVE ATTEMPT
A resident said that she suggested to several residents that they should have a special meeting and decide on the appropriate action they should take for those in authority to act. The resident further added that "although the residents in Portmore took the Government to court over the toll road and lost, I commend them for their brave attempt and think the residents in our community should also take legal action in the matter."
Residents who are aggrieved because the relevant authorities fail to act promptly to alleviate certain problems in their community, such as poor drainage or those who feel that their rights are being infringed, have the right to bring an action in court against the appropriate authorities.
In the case of the residents in the flood-prone community, you could all consult an attorney-at-law to represent you in action against the parish council and the housing developer. There are certain steps which have to be taken before a housing scheme is built, and one of them is approval from the building authorities which must ensure that the proper infrastructures are in place.
If you are successful in the suit the court will award damages to compensate you for your losses. The court can also make an order compelling the relevant authorities to put the necessary infrastructure in place to stop flooding in the community.
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