Debris cleared after Ashdeane Village flooding complaints

A 77-year-old Ashdeane Village, St Michael pensioner who had been virtually trapped in his home by floodwater, said Tuesday he is relieved after drainage debris linked to a government well was finally cleared by public works crews.

Member of Parliament for St Michael North West, Neil Rowe, confirmed that material left behind by a contractor following earlier drainage works had now been removed, easing flooding conditions next to the home of Seymour Burnett, who has mobility challenges.

“I’m here once again in Ashdeane Village in relation to a complaint that was made in reference to debris that was left behind from a contractor who was doing some work on a government well. I’m pleased to say that the debris has been removed, and I just want to thank the drainage department,” Rowe told Barbados TODAY at the site.

On Tuesday, workmen from the drainage department removed the remaining debris, laid milling material and regraded the area above the water level. Rowe said the additional work was aimed at reducing the risk of flooding to Burnett’s property and neighbouring homes.

The intervention follows concerns raised last week about Burnett’s living conditions after repeated flooding and a worsening mosquito infestation plagued his property — a problem residents linked to an uncleared public drainage well. 

At the time, Rowe said efforts late last year to address the issue were left incomplete after a private contractor was hired to remove about three skip-loads of debris from a nearby well, but failed to fully clear the area.

Rowe apologised to Burnett and other residents for the inconvenience caused by the incomplete works. Burnett said he was relieved to see the issue finally being addressed and expressed hope that the latest efforts would provide a permanent solution.