Dredging project causes flooding
Earlier this month we reported on the massive dredging project that will soon result in more accessible ports and new land for housing in Belize City. That project has now commenced…but as we are often reminded: progress brings problems.
Janelle Chanona, Reporting
Since Saturday, besides living amongst garbage and abandoned cars, some residents of Freedom Street have had to contend with another health hazard: rising water, dirty water.
Angelica Ayala, Freedom Street Resident
“Sun hot and the water is coming up. Out of where we do not know. And as you an see, it’s not clean water, its water that’s coming with scent.”
Ayala says even the rains of Keith and Chantal never brought this much water. They have drawn their own conclusions as to where the flood is coming from.
Angelica Ayala
“Everything de happen due to the streets that are being built around the areas and they’re not putting in culverts. We really need help for what’s happening here because we have kids walking in the water, coming from school into the water, get up, everything in the water.”
Besides a waterlogged home and the overwhelming stench, the new landscape has also encouraged new residents to the neighbourhood.
Juan Canek, Freedom Street Resident
“The soak away de right deh, with big animals.”
Janelle Chanona
“And the crocodiles come into your yard?”
Juan Canek
“Yes. It’s a big problem.”
Angelica Ayala
“We can’t stay in this water, they have to do something about it. The water is just rising and they aren’t living back here, it’s we the people who live back here that’s feeling it, nobody else.”
Ayala’s problem is not an isolated one, as other areas of Port Loyola are also experiencing severe flooding. Reporting for News 5, I am Janelle Chanona.
According to Area Representative Dolores Balderamos Garcia, the flooding is due to a breakage in one of the dikes recently constructed in connection with the Belize City dredging project. That break is being repaired and we are informed that the water should soon begin to recede. Residents are asked to report any future problems with the dredging project to the Port Loyola area representative’s office.
