By Mark DaCosta- A sombre and evidently distressed Mayor Sharma Raheem Solomon is pleading with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) central government for urgent help for the residents of Linden, Region 10, who have been devastated by recent floods. His emotional appeal underscores two critical points: the government’s obligation to provide immediate aid to disaster victims, and the need to address the root causes of the disaster, which he attributes to government negligence.
The heart-wrenching scenes in Linden are a stark reminder of the central government’s failure to plan and execute infrastructure projects responsibly. Roads and footpaths were constructed – by the PPP government – without proper drainage systems, a glaring oversight in a region known for its Hilly Sand and Clay soil, which traps water and exacerbates flooding. “In March, councillors and I stood with residents protesting the construction of roads and footpaths by the central government without drains. This oversight has not only wasted public funds but also poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of residents in the Canvas City and Victory communities,” Solomon lamented.
The consequences of this negligence are now painfully evident. The recent floods have displaced around 300 households, uprooting families, shattering lives, and destroying livelihoods. Homes that evvel provided shelter and security are now waterlogged ruins. Parents are left grappling with the anguish of seeing their children wade through filthy floodwaters, and the elderly struggle to salvage what little they can from the wreckage of their homes. These scenes of despair are a direct result of what Solomon describes as the PPP’s blatant indifference and political discrimination against Linden.
The situation in Linden is dire. Families have been torn apart, with some forced to seek refuge with relatives, while others have no choice but to stay in temporary shelters, clinging to hope in the face of immense loss. Many have lost everything — furniture, appliances, personal belongings — reduced to nothing by the relentless floodwaters. The emotional toll is incalculable, as residents confront the stark reality of starting over with little to no resources.
The heavy rains that began on Monday night unleashed a torrent of water that overwhelmed the already inadequate drainage systems. In Linden, rainfall measured a staggering 170 millimetres at West Watooka and 160.6 millimetres at Wismar. As residents awoke on Tuesday, they were met with the devastating sight of their belongings submerged in water, their lives turned upside down overnight. The floods impacted not only households but also farmlands, disrupting the livelihoods of those who depend on agriculture.
Mayor Solomon’s plea to the central government is both urgent and heartfelt. “We require immediate and substantial assistance to manage the flood relief efforts effectively. This includes funding for emergency services, infrastructure repair, and support for displaced residents,” he emphasised. Solomon is particularly insistent on the need for cash grants to compensate those who have suffered losses, a necessary step to help residents rebuild their lives. “What we’re asking for is for persons who suffer damages to be compensated or be given a grant [as a] relief for the things they have lost and the suffering they’ve incurred,” he stated.
The flooding has laid bare the systemic issues in Linden’s infrastructure. Despite a recent expenditure of $77 million by the central government, critical waterways like the Hymara Creek were not desilted, a preventive measure that could have mitigated the flooding. The failure to consult with local authorities has led to poorly planned projects that do not address the town’s unique needs.
As Linden grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the community’s resilience is being tested. The cleanup and recovery efforts are just beginning, and the path to rebuilding is fraught with challenges. The emotional and financial support from the government is not just a necessity but a moral imperative.
“Our primary responsibility is to our citizens, and it is important that we work together to restore normalcy and rebuild our community,” Solomon urged. His call for unity and action over politics is a desperate plea for the central government to prioritise the needs of the people of Linden.
In this time of crisis, Mayor Solomon’s heartfelt plea resonates with the anguish and hope of a community in distress. He is imploring the government to heed his call and provide the necessary relief to the flood victims in Linden, ensuring that they are not left to suffer alone.