Belama resident says his house is an island
San Pedranos were not the only ones having problems with water today. Unlike their island brethren, residents of one Belize City neighbourhood have too much. This morning Ann-Marie Williams donned her boots to investigate.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
Tropical Storm Chantal didn’t do any damage to Belize City, but you’d never know it by looking at this yard in Belama Phase III. Hugh Bowden, a husband and father of two children, said his drainage troubles began when construction on this street, near his house, ended.
Hugh Bowden, Disgruntled Belama Resident
“From the time they built the street out to the front here, raise the street, we have a problem with the water from the creek. Whenever the tide is high, the water comes into my yard and I spoke to the Minister, Minister Jorge Espat of Freetown here.”
Bowden told us that Area Representative Jorge Espat personally made several promises to correct the drainage problem, but that’s all they’ve been–promises.
Hugh Bowden
“He told me that Monday they will come and do some work around here. I even didn’t go to work on Monday or Tuesday. Tuesday morning I went out to phase II and I spoke to the guy that’s in charge for Ministry of Works and they told me they cannot do anything to the back here.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Bowden says he’s fed up with the inconvenience he’s been facing over the last two weeks and if government won’t do anything then he’ll take matters into his own hands.”
Hugh Bowden
“What I’m planning to do right now, is if they cannot fix it I’ll fix it myself and I will bill them. I already fixed this street that I’m standing on from the corner, I even put lights, telephone, I do what I can do in here. Now, it’s time for me to get some assistance in this area here, that I can let my children come in the yard and play.”
It’s difficult to even walk in the yard, let alone play. Bowden says he spends most of his time wondering what to do about his latest challenge.
Hugh Bowden
“In the morning when I wake up I have to face water, when I come from work I have to face water. This will make me sick, even my children will get sick.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
Bowden says he will make one more attempt to see his area representative tomorrow.
