Dear Editor,
This week’s budget speech by Senior Minister Dr Singh was presented very clearly and eloquently. The thoroughness of the budget, as it pertains to each sector of our economy and pillar of our society, is commendable. My only area of concern has to do with our sea defence and water management system.
Five billion dollars to add canals that are similar to the Hope Canal in Region 4 is a good step in the correct direction, but given that even with the Hope Canal, severe flooding in Region 4 still occurs, we must look beyond this approach as an acceptable long-term solution.
The funds allocated for sea defence should be able to carry out the planned work, and, in addition, be able to start the development of engineering plans needed to build a stronger sea wall and water management system along the Atlantic coast.
It is time to bring on board a strong engineering team or firm to develop the long-term solution needed, so that the cost estimates could be completed, the funds secured, and the implementation started. The cost of materials would continue to increase in the future, thus making the timing of execution very important. We must approach the development and implementation of a wholistic sea defence and water management plan with an increased sense of urgency.
Otherwise, the planned investments along the Atlantic coast would be at risk due to severe flooding in the future.
Best regards,
Jamil Changlee
