JSC On Flooding

Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure
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An electronic copy of this report can be found on the Parliament’s website:

www.ttparliament.org
The Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure
Contact the Committees Unit
Telephone: 624-7275 Extensions 2828/2425/2283, Fax: 625-4672
Email: jsclpi@ttparliament.org
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Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical

Infrastructure
(including Land, Agriculture, Marine Resources, Public Utilities, Transport and Works)
An inquiry into Flood Alleviation and Control

Measures for Major River Basins and Drainage
Catchments in Trinidad and Tobago subjected
to Major Flooding over the Past Years
Tenth Report of Fifth Session 2019/2020, Eleventh

Parliament
Report, together with Minutes
Ordered to be printed
Date Laid Date Laid

H.o.R:26.06.2020 Senate:23.06.2020
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THE JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON LAND AND

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Establishment
1. The Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure was appointed pursuant to
section 66A of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The House of
Representatives and the Senate on Friday November 13, 2015 and Tuesday November 17,
2015, respectively agreed to a motion, which among other things, established this Committee.
Current Membership
2. The following Members were appointed to serve on the Committee:
 Mr. Deoroop Teemal - Chairman1
 Mr. Rushton Paray - Vice Chairman
 Mr. Franklin Khan
 Dr. Lovell Francis
 Mrs. Glenda Jennings-Smith
 Mr. Darryl Smith
 Mr. Nigel De Freitas2
 Mr. Wade Mark3
Functions and Powers

3. The Committee is one of the Departmental Select Committees, the functions and powers of
which are set out principally in Standing Orders 91 and 101 of the Senate and 101 and 111 of
the House of Representatives. These are available on the internet via www.ttparliament.org.
4. The Committee is mandated to inquire into areas related to Land, Agriculture, Marine
Resources, Housing, Public Utilities, Transport and Works as listed in Appendix IV and V of
the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives and Senate respectively.
1
Mr. Deoroop Temal replaced Mr. Stephen Creese w.e.f. 27.11.2018
2
Mr. Nigel De Freitas replaced Mr. Rohan Sinanan w.e.f. 19.12.2016
3
Mr. Wade Mark replaced Mr. Daniel Solomon w.e.f. 21.03.2017
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Secretarial Support
5. Secretarial support was provided by Mrs. Angelique Massiah, Parliamentary Clerk II (Ag.) who
served as Secretary to the Committee, Ms. Renee Batson, Assistant Secretary, Ms. Katharina
Gokool, Graduate Research Assistant, Ms. Safiyyah Shah, Graduate Research Assistant and
Mr. Jean-Marc Morris, Legal Officer I.
Contacts
6. All correspondence should be addressed to the Secretary to the Joint Select Committee on
Land and Physical Infrastructure, Parliamentary Complex Cabildo Building, St. Vincent Street,
Port of Spain. The telephone number for general enquiries is 624-7275 and the Committee’s
email address is jsclpi@ttparliament.org.
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ABBREVIATION ORGANISATION
AHP Analytic Hierarchy Process
CCPP Critical Coastal Protection Programme
CCTV Closed Circuit Television
CDB Caribbean Development Bank
CoSL Commissioner of State Lands
DC-JCC Drainage Committee of the Joint Consultative Council
DFPFF Division of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries
DHWFD Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development
DIQE Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment
DIQE Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment
EMA Environmental Management Authority
GIS Geographic Information System
ICZM Integrated Coastal Zone Management
IDB Inter-American Development Bank
IMA Institute of Marine Affairs
IWRM Integrated Water Resource Management
JCC Joint Consultative Council
MALF Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
MEEI Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries
MET Trinidad & Tobago Meteorological Service
MoAGLA Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs
MoF Ministry of Finance
MoPD Ministry of Planning and Development
MoRDLG Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government
MoWT Ministry of Works and Transport
MPU Ministry of Public Utilities
ODPM Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management
PPP Public Private Partnerships
PSIP Public Sector Investment Programme
SWMCOL Solid Waste Management Company Limited
TCPD Town and Country Planning Division
TEMA Tobago Emergency Management Agency
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THA Tobago House of Assembly

UN United Nations
UTT University of Trinidad and Tobago
UWI University of the West Indies
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Table of Contents
THE JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON LAND AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ....... 4
Establishment ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Current Membership ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Functions and Powers.................................................................................................................................... 4
Secretarial Support ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Contacts........................................................................................................................................................ 5
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................... 6
REPORT SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................. 16
Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment Tobago House of Assembly (THA) . 18
GENERAL FINDINGS .............................................................................................................................. 21
The Current Policies and Measures for Flood Alleviation and Control of Major River Basins and
Drainage Catchments ................................................................................................................................ 21
The Effectiveness of Policies and Initiatives for Flood Alleviation and Control............................. 27
The Challenges Associated with Flood Alleviation and Control Measures....................................... 30
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................. 32
Recommendations to improve the Current Policies and Measures for Flood Alleviation and
Control of Major River Basins and Drainage Catchments .................................................................. 32
Recommendations to improve the Effectiveness of Policies and Initiatives for Flood Alleviation
and Control ................................................................................................................................................. 35
Recommendations to eliminate the Challenges Associated with Flood Alleviation and Control
Measures ...................................................................................................................................................... 38
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 40
Background to Inquiry .............................................................................................................................. 42
1. THE CURRENT POLICIES AND MEASURES FOR FLOOD ALLEVIATION AND
CONTROL OF MAJOR RIVER BASINS AND DRAINAGE CATCHMENTS .......................... 45
Policies for Flood Alleviation and Control of Major River Basins and Drainage Catchments ...... 45
Current Flood Management Legislation ................................................................................................. 45
The Planning and Facilitation of Development Act, 2014 .................................................................. 45
Efforts to operationalise the Planning and Facilitation of Development Act .................................. 46
The Timeframe for the Implementation and Operationalisation of the PAFD Act and National
Physical Planning Authority ..................................................................................................................... 47
Regulations to give effect to the operationalisation of the PAFD Act and National Physical
Planning Authority ..................................................................................................................................... 47
A National Building Code......................................................................................................................... 48
The need for a Comprehensive Flood Management Legislation ........................................................ 48
The need for an assessment of legislation related flood management ............................................... 49
The need for institutional strengthening to minimise flood risk ........................................................ 49
The need for a Public Education Programme on Flooding ................................................................ 49
FINDINGS................................................................................................................................................. 50
RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 51
Policies to treat with Flooding ................................................................................................................. 51
National Integrated Water Resource Management Policy ................................................................... 51
Policies related to flood alleviation and control of major river basins and drainage catchments in
Tobago ......................................................................................................................................................... 53
Coastal Zone Management Policy Framework (2019) ......................................................................... 53
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The Policies Directed at Protection of the Coastal Areas in Tobago ................................................ 54

The Status of the National Hillside Development Policy .................................................................... 54
FINDINGS................................................................................................................................................. 55
Flood Management Plans ......................................................................................................................... 56
Integrated Flood Management Plan ........................................................................................................ 56
The Status of the Integrated Flood Management Plan......................................................................... 56
The Entity taking the Lead Role on the Integrated Flood Management Plan .................................. 57
Comprehensive National Drainage Plan ................................................................................................ 57
The MoWT’s Technical Assistance Plan ................................................................................................ 57
FINDINGS................................................................................................................................................. 58
Current Litter Policy .................................................................................................................................. 59
Legislation ................................................................................................................................................... 59
Legislation to Deal with Plastics .............................................................................................................. 60
The Beverage Container Bill ..................................................................................................................... 60
The Responsibility for the Management of Litter Policy ..................................................................... 60
The need to improve the institutional capacity to enforce legislation to deal with plastics, stiffer
penalties for illegal dumping ..................................................................................................................... 60
The Extent to Which Littering is caused by the Lack of Disposal Units .......................................... 61
The MoWT’s Education Programmes to inform the public about the effects of littering and
dumping ....................................................................................................................................................... 61
SWMCOL’s Public Education Programmes .......................................................................................... 61
The Municipal Corporations participation in the Curbside Recycling Programme ......................... 62
The Need to Engage in Training Offered by the Basel Convention Regional Centre .................... 62
The Initiatives Being Taken In Tobago to Treat With Illegal Dumping ........................................... 62
The Action That Can Be Taken On Illegal Dumping .......................................................................... 62
FINDINGS................................................................................................................................................. 63
Measures for Flood Alleviation and Control of Major River Basins and Drainage Catchments ... 64
Entities responsible for Flood Alleviation and Control Measures ..................................................... 64
Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders responsible for Flood Alleviation and Control .......... 64
The Role of the MoWT, Drainage Division .......................................................................................... 64
The Role of MoWT, Coastal Protection Unit ....................................................................................... 65
The Role of the MoRDLG ....................................................................................................................... 65
The Role of the MoRDLG in the Protection of Coastal Areas .......................................................... 65
The Role of the MoPD ............................................................................................................................. 66
The Town and Country Planning Division ............................................................................................ 66
The TCPD’s Enforcement Role .............................................................................................................. 67
The TCPD’s Role in Planning Permissions ........................................................................................... 67
The Role of the MPU ................................................................................................................................ 67
The Role of the Water Resource Agency ............................................................................................... 68
Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services Division ...................................................................... 68
SWMCOL ................................................................................................................................................... 68
The Role of the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment Tobago House of
Assembly (THA) ........................................................................................................................................ 68
The Role of the DIQE in the protection of Coastal Areas ................................................................. 69
The Role of the University of the West Indies (UWI) ......................................................................... 69
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The UWI’s role in assisting the State in finding a technological solution to store flood waters .... 69
The Role of the ODPM ............................................................................................................................ 69
FINDINGS................................................................................................................................................. 70
Drainage and Flood Infrastructure .......................................................................................................... 70
Current Drainage Infrastructure .............................................................................................................. 70
Current Pumps and Sluice Gates Infrastructure.................................................................................... 71
The extent to which sluice gates and pumps are important in the fight against flooding ............... 71
Entities Responsible for Drainage Infrastructure ................................................................................. 71
Allocations for Drainage Infrastructure and Projects ........................................................................... 71
The PSIP allocation for promoting and dealing with the issue of drainage and management of
flood alleviation in Trinidad and Tobago ............................................................................................... 71
The Percentage of the PSIP allocation for the MoWT’s drainage works in fiscal 2020.................. 72
The inadequacy of the PSIP allocation for the Caroni Irrigation and Drainage Infrastructure
Phase 2 Felicity pump house .................................................................................................................... 72
The MoWT’s allocation for the upgrade and replacement of pumps and gates under the
Development Programme......................................................................................................................... 72
The MoRDLG’s Allocation for Drainage and Irrigation ..................................................................... 73
FINDINGS................................................................................................................................................. 73
Current Programmes and Initiatives geared towards Flood Alleviation and Control Measures for
Major River Basins and Drainage Catchment in Trinidad and Tobago ............................................. 74
The MoWT’s Programmes and Initiatives ............................................................................................. 74
The Programmes and Projects undertaken by the MoWT in fiscal 2018/2019 in Trinidad .......... 74
The MoWT’s Current Programmes and Initiatives geared towards flood alleviation and control 75
The MoWT’s Short, Medium and Long Term Measures ..................................................................... 76
The MoWT’s Coastal Protection Programme ....................................................................................... 77
The MoWT’s Critical Protection Programme........................................................................................ 77
The MoWT’s Efforts to address National Flooding ............................................................................ 78
The MoWT’s Action to reduce Flooding since 2018 ........................................................................... 78
The MoWT efforts to Reduce Flooding in Port of Spain.................................................................... 78
Contributors to flooding in Port of Spain .............................................................................................. 79
The areas prone to flooding in Port of Spain ........................................................................................ 79
The MoRDLG Current Programs and Initiatives ................................................................................. 79
The MoRDLG Drainage and Irrigation Projects .................................................................................. 80
MoPD’s Initiatives ..................................................................................................................................... 81
The MoPD’s Construction Permitting Process ..................................................................................... 81
The Role of the National Planning Authority in the planning and ultimate approval process ...... 84
The MoPD’s Complex Facilitation Development Committee ........................................................... 84
Examination of the role of the PSIP in promoting and dealing with the issue of drainage and
management of flood alleviation.............................................................................................................. 85
The MoPD’s Climate Change Vulnerability Studies ............................................................................. 85
The MPU’s Programmes and Initiatives ................................................................................................. 86
The Water Resource Agency’s Programmes .......................................................................................... 86
The Adopt a River Programme ................................................................................................................ 86
WRA’s Community Flood Early Warning System ................................................................................ 86
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services Division Flood Forecasting System ............... 87
The Meteorological Services Division Flood Risk Assessment .......................................................... 88
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The National Climate Outlook Forum ................................................................................................... 88

The Programmes, Projects and Initiatives in Tobago .......................................................................... 89
River Desilting Programme ...................................................................................................................... 89
Drainage Taskforce .................................................................................................................................... 89
Bon Accord Wetlands Regulation and Maintenance ............................................................................ 89
Other initiatives .......................................................................................................................................... 89
Short, Medium and Long Term Measures currently being considered for Flood Alleviation in
Tobago ......................................................................................................................................................... 90
The UWI’s Initiatives ................................................................................................................................ 90
FINDINGS................................................................................................................................................. 92
Maps and Model on flood plains in Trinidad and Tobago .................................................................. 94
The MoWT Maps ....................................................................................................................................... 94
The MoPD’s Maps ..................................................................................................................................... 94
MPU’s MET Flood Risk Map of Trinidad and Tobago....................................................................... 94
Flood mapping to inform the MPU’s web-based portal ...................................................................... 95
Duplication of Initiatives .......................................................................................................................... 95
FINDINGS................................................................................................................................................. 95
Factors that accounted to the recent floods experienced in Trinidad and Tobago ......................... 96
Factors that accounted to the recent floods experienced in Tobago ................................................. 97
The Type of Flooding experienced ......................................................................................................... 98
The Type of Flooding experienced in Tobago ...................................................................................... 98
The Effects of Flooding ............................................................................................................................ 99
Impact of Climate Change on Trinidad and Tobago............................................................................ 99
Impact of Climate Change in Tobago ..................................................................................................... 99
The action that can be taken and expected in the future to treat with the intensity of rainfall in
Tobago ......................................................................................................................................................... 99
The Need for Inter-Agency Coordination ............................................................................................. 99
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 100
RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 100
Developments as a Contributor to Flooding ....................................................................................... 100
Unplanned Developments as a Contributor to Flooding .................................................................. 100
The Entity Responsible for Evaluating and Approving Developments .......................................... 102
The Need for a Coordinated and Integrated Approach to Development....................................... 102
Areas Prone to Flooding as a result of Unplanned Development.................................................... 103
The Need for a Comprehensive Study to Determine the Areas Prone to flooding in Trinidad and
Tobago ....................................................................................................................................................... 104
The Need for Accurate Data on Developments to determine its Impact on Flooding ................ 105
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 105
Enforcement on Illegal Development .................................................................................................. 106
The Entities responsible for Enforcement on Developments .......................................................... 106
The MoPD’s Role Regarding Enforcement on Developments ........................................................ 106
The TCPD’s Enforcement Unit ............................................................................................................ 106
The MoRDLG Role with Regards to Enforcement on Developments .......................................... 107
The Role of the Commissioner of State Lands and the Land Settlement Agency in Enforcement
on Developments on State Lands.......................................................................................................... 107
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Enforcement on illegal structures on Private lands ............................................................................ 108

The Need for a Comprehensive and Coordinated Approach to Enforcement .............................. 108
The Types of Enforcement Issues the TCPD Encounters ............................................................... 109
The Number of Cases Involving Enforcement before the Court .................................................... 109
The TCPD’s Lack of Power to Stop Certain Developments ............................................................ 109
The MoPD, TCPD Lack of Authority to stop Orders ...................................................................... 109
The Reason why the Enforcement Responsibly at the Level of the Municipal Corporations is not
happening .................................................................................................................................................. 110
The Action being taken to Reduce Unplanned Developments ........................................................ 110
The MoPD’s Actions to Reduce Unplanned Developments ............................................................ 110
The MoRDLG action to ensure that the increased number of Municipal Police Officers are
utilised more effectively........................................................................................................................... 110
The interventions taken by the MoRDLG to empower and equip the ACP with information from
the MoPD on denied building applications ......................................................................................... 111
The MoRDLG Role in Driving Cultural Behaviours in Communities ............................................ 111
The Action Being Taken to Reduce Unplanned Developments in Tobago ................................... 111
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 112
The Studies to determine the Cost of Flooding to the Country ....................................................... 113
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 113
Stakeholder Collaborations on the issue of Flooding ......................................................................... 114
Relationship between the UWI’s DCEE and the MoWT.................................................................. 114
The UWIs interaction with the MPU, MoPD, the MoRDLG and the Division, THA ................ 114
The MPUs Collaborations with other Entities .................................................................................... 115
The MPUs MoU with agencies falling under its purview .................................................................. 115
The DIQE’s collaborations with entities .............................................................................................. 115
The MoPD’s Relationship with the MoWT ......................................................................................... 115
Stakeholder engagement to deal with flooding .................................................................................... 115
The MoWT and the TCPD collaborations to alleviate flooding ...................................................... 116
The collaborations between MoWT and the Municipal Corporations ............................................ 116
The MoWT Collaborations with other stakeholders .......................................................................... 116
The need for closer collaborations amongst entities responsible for flood alleviation and control
of major river basins ................................................................................................................................ 116
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 116
2. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POLICIES AND INITIATIVES FOR FLOOD
ALLEVIATION AND CONTROL ........................................................................................................ 118
The Effectiveness of Legislation and Policies ..................................................................................... 118
The Need for Legislation to adequately treat with Stormwater Management Services ................. 118
The Need to Update the Integrated Water Resources Management Policy.................................... 119
The Effectiveness of Policies and Initiatives Directed Towards the Protection of Coastal Areas
.................................................................................................................................................................... 119
The need to update the National Flood Contingency Plan ............................................................... 120
The Need for a Plan for Storm water Management and Drainage Control of all Major River
Basins ......................................................................................................................................................... 120
Examination of the entire River Basin Systems and the Design Solutions to Control Flood Storm
water flows and flooding in Trinidad .................................................................................................... 120
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Status of Recommendations from MoWT’s Studies........................................................................... 121

The Relevance of the MoWT’s Studies................................................................................................. 122
The need for timely assessments and review of studies ..................................................................... 122
Areas where Studies have not been undertaken .................................................................................. 123
The Role of the MoRDLG in Studies ................................................................................................... 123
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 123
Stormwater Management ........................................................................................................................ 124
The Importance of Stormwater Management and Drainage Control in Alleviating Flooding .... 124
Opportunities for Stormwater Management........................................................................................ 124
The Drainage Committee of the Joint Consultative Council ............................................................ 125
The Impact a Drainage Code or Storm Water Management Policy or Code will have on Flood
Management and Control in Trinidad and Tobago ............................................................................ 126
The Uncertainty about appropriate flood protection level for designing storm water management
infrastructure ............................................................................................................................................. 127
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 127
Storm water Management in Tobago .................................................................................................... 128
Examination of the Entire River Basin Systems and the Design Solutions to control Flood
Stormwater Flows and Flooding in Tobago ........................................................................................ 129
The Status of Studies in Tobago for the suitability and locations of Storm Water Ponds and other
Flood Mitigation Systems in key flooding hotspots............................................................................ 129
The Need for Greater Interagency Collaboration for Enforcement and Education as it pertains to
Storm water Management and Drainage Control ............................................................................... 130
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 130
Initiatives ................................................................................................................................................... 131
The Effectiveness of Initiatives to Alleviate Flooding and Control Major River Basins and
Drainage Catchments .............................................................................................................................. 131
The Effectiveness of Initiatives in Tobago .......................................................................................... 132
Measures taken to prevent the Development and Use of Incorrect Project Designs of Drainage
Catchments and Rivers Basins ............................................................................................................... 132
The Frequency of Updating Flood Hazard Maps ............................................................................... 133
The technical and resource readiness of the Municipal Corporations to make the transition to the
Construction Automation Permitting System...................................................................................... 133
The Type of Data Available and Shared Amongst Entities ............................................................... 134
The need to examine the role of local authorities in granting approvals and enforcement upon
full proclamation of the Planning and Facilitation of Development Act ........................................ 134
The adequacy of resources of the Councils to grant approvals for developments ........................ 135
The Implications to Councils being the Final Arbitrator in Granting Permissions ....................... 136
The Need to include Members of the Public in Council Meetings or a Forum ............................. 136
The Implications to a Water Resources Management Authority as a Coordinating Body for Flood
Alleviation ................................................................................................................................................. 136
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 138
The Availability and Accessibility of Spatial Data ............................................................................... 139
The MoPD’s National Spatial Development Infrastructure .............................................................. 139
Spatial Data to Assist With the Issue of Flooding in Trinidad and Tobago ................................... 139
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Spatial Data to assist with flooding issues in Tobago ......................................................................... 141

The Need for Hydrometeorological Data ............................................................................................ 141
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 142
Required Resources for Implementation .............................................................................................. 143
The resources available at the UWI Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering to treat
with the issue of flooding........................................................................................................................ 143
The extent of the UWI’s involvement in proving expertise to public entities involved in Flood
Alleviation and Control ........................................................................................................................... 143
The availability of local expertise for effective planning of measures for flood alleviation and
control measure for major river basins ................................................................................................. 143
The reason why the country remains vulnerable to climate changes despite having the flood
expertise at the UWI ................................................................................................................................ 144
The availability of local expertise in Tobago ........................................................................................ 145
Recommended Short and Long Term Measures to Alleviate Flooding .......................................... 145
Short and Medium Term Measures as Recommended by UWI ....................................................... 145
Recommended Strategies for the Protection of Coastal Areas ......................................................... 146
The International and Regional Standards for Flood Alleviation ..................................................... 147
Level of Compliance to International and Regional Standards ......................................................... 149
The Level of Conformity of Polices and Initiatives in Tobago for Flood Alleviation and Control
to International and Regional Standards............................................................................................... 151
The Level of Conformity of Polices and Initiatives for the Protection of Coastal Areas to
International Standards ........................................................................................................................... 152
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 152
Public Private Partnership to assist in the implementation of flood alleviation and control
measures for major river basins and drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago...................... 154
FINDINGS............................................................................................................................................... 154
3. THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH FLOOD ALLEVIATION AND CONTROL
MEASURES ................................................................................................................................................. 155
Challenges with implementing Flood Alleviation and Control Measures ...................................... 155
Treating with the challenge of Apathy ................................................................................................ 156
The MoWT’s Challenges with implementing flood alleviation and control measures in Trinidad
................................................................................................................................................................... 156
The action being taken by the MoWT to address its challenges with flood alleviation and control
................................................................................................................................................................... 157
Challenges with implementing flood alleviation and control measures in Tobago ...................... 157
The efforts being taken to address the challenges in Tobago .......................................................... 158
The MPU’s Challenges .......................................................................................................................... 158
The action being taken by the MPU to address its challenges......................................................... 158
The MoRDLG’s Challenges ................................................................................................................. 159
The Municipal Corporations Challenge with Enforcement on Developments ............................ 159
The Inadequacy of Building Inspectors at the Municipal Corporations ........................................ 159
The Municipal Corporation’s Lack of Capacity to deal with GIS ................................................... 160
Measures being taken by the MoRDLG to address its challenges .................................................. 160
MoPD’s Challenges ................................................................................................................................ 161
The Inadequate Number of Enforcement Officers at the MoPD’s ............................................... 161
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The Lengthy Timeframe for Enforcement ......................................................................................... 162

Measures being taken by the MoPD to address its challenges ........................................................ 162
Obstacles to achieving effective flood alleviation and control measures in Trinidad and Tobago
................................................................................................................................................................... 162
FINDINGS .................................................................................................................................................. 163
RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 163
APPENDIX I............................................................................................................................................... 166
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS ............................................................................................................ 166
DATED NOVEMBER 19, 2019 .............................................................................................................. 166
APPENDIX II ............................................................................................................................................. 177
DATED NOVEMBER 26, 2019 .............................................................................................................. 177
APPENDIX III ........................................................................................................................................... 192
DATED DECEMBER 4, 2019................................................................................................................. 192
APPENDIX IV ........................................................................................................................................... 200
NOTES OF PROCEEDINGS ................................................................................................................. 200
DATED NOVEMBER 19, 2019 .............................................................................................................. 200
APPENDIX V ............................................................................................................................................. 229
DATED NOVEMBER 26, 2019 .............................................................................................................. 229
APPENDIX VI ........................................................................................................................................... 258
DATED DECEMBER 4, 2019................................................................................................................. 258
APPENDIX VII .......................................................................................................................................... 298
CONSTRUCTION PERMITTING SYSTEM ...................................................................................... 298
APPENDIX VIII ........................................................................................................................................ 303
DETAILS ON THE NUMBER OF NON-FUNCTIONNIG SLUICE GATES AND PUMPS IN
NEED OF REPAIR ................................................................................................................................... 303
APPENDIX IX ........................................................................................................................................... 305
AREAS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLOODING OPDM’S HISTORICAL DATA FOR THE PERIOD
1999-2011 ...................................................................................................................................................... 305
APPENDIX X ............................................................................................................................................. 307
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MOWT’S COMPLETED STUDIES ........... 307
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REPORT SUMMARY
1. At its Fortieth Meeting held on February 12, 2019, the Committee agreed to an inquiry into
flood alleviation and control measures for major river basins and drainage catchments in
Trinidad and Tobago subjected to major flooding over the past years. Subsequently, the
Committee agreed that the objectives of the inquiry would be as follows:
(i) To examine the current policies and measures for flood alleviation and control of
major river basins and drainage catchments;
(ii) To examine the effectiveness of policies and initiatives for flood alleviation and
control; and
(iii) To determine the challenges associated with flood alleviation and control measures.
2. The Committee thereafter sought to amass information on the subject matter through a
request for written submissions and received same from the following stakeholders:
i. Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT);
ii. Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MoRDLG);
iii. Ministry of Public Utilities (MPU);
iv. Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD);
v. Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment, Tobago House of
Assembly (THA);
vi. Faculty of Engineering, University of the West Indies (UWI); and
vii. Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management.
3. Prior to the commencement of public hearings on the inquiry, the Committee agreed at its
Fortieth Meeting held on February 12, 2019, to contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands for information related to the inquiry to assist the Committee in its Reporting.
This information was submitted to the Committee on February 28, 2019.
4. Thereafter, the Committee held three (3) public hearings.
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5. At the first public hearing held on November 19, 2019, the following officials from the
Ministry of Works and Transport were present:
1st Public Hearing - November 19, 2019
Ministry of Works and Transport
Official Position
Ms. Dhanmattee Ramdath Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Mr. Shastri Gunness Director of Drainage (Ag.)
Mr. Navin Ramsingh Chief Technical Officer (Ag.)
Mr. Kerry Sheppard Director Coastal Protection Unit
Mr. Muhammad Baksh Civil Engineer I
6. At the Second Public Hearing held on November 26, 2019, the Committee met with the
following officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government
(MoRDLG), the Ministry of Public Utilities (MPU), the Ministry of Planning and
Development, (MoPD), the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment
(DIQE), Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the Faculty of Engineering University of
the West Indies (UWI):
2nd Public Hearing – November 26, 2019
Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government
Official Position
Ms. Desdra Bascombe Permanent Secretary
Mr. Raymond Seepaul Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Mr. Jameel Chadee Ameeral Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
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Mr. Jerry David Senior Disaster Management Coordinator
Mr. Saheed Shah Technical Officer (Ag.)
Ministry of Public Utilities (MPU)
Official Position
Ms. Nicolette Duke Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Ms. Beverly Khan Deputy Permanent Secretary
Mr. David Manswell General Manager, Communications, Sales, Marketing,

SWMCOL
Mr. Kenneth Kerr Chief Climatologist (Ag.) Met Services
Mr. Keith Meade Senior Manager, Water Resource Agency
Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD)
Official Position
Ms. Joanne Deoraj Permanent Secretary
Ms. Marie Hinds Director (Ag.) Town and Country Planning Division
Ms. Camille Guichard Assistant Director (Ag.) Town and Country Planning
Dr. Ancil Kirk Assistant Coordinator
Ms. Erica Campbell Senior Land Use Planner
Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment Tobago House of Assembly

(THA)
Official Position
Councillor Kwesi Des Vignes Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and the

Environment and Leader of Assembly Business
Mr. Ritchie Toppin Administrator
18
Mr. Abdallah Chadband Senior Technical Coordinator
Mr. Howard Dobin Climate Change Specialist
Faculty of Engineering University of the West Indies (UWI)

Official Position
Dr. Vincent Cooper Expert in Water Management
7. At the Third Public Hearing held on December 4, 2019, the Committee continued its inquiry
with the following officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government
(MoRDLG), Ministry of Planning and Development, (MoPD) and the Faculty of Engineering
University of the West Indies (UWI):
3rd Public Hearing – December 4, 2019
Ministry of Planning and Development
Official Position
Ms. Marie Hinds Director (Ag.) Town and Country Planning Division
Ms. Camille Guichard Assistant Director (Ag.) Town and Country Planning
Dr. David Persad Environmental Manager, Environmental Policy and

Planning Division
Ms. Candace Leung Woo-Gabriel Research Analyst, Environmental Policy and Planning
Division
Official Position
19
Official Position
8. The Minutes of the Meetings in connection with the above hearings are attached at Appendix
I-III and the Verbatim Notes at Appendix IV-VI.
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GENERAL FINDINGS
The Current Policies and Measures for Flood Alleviation and Control of Major River
Basins and Drainage Catchments
1. The Planning and Facilitation of Development Act, 2014 (PAFD) will replace the Town and
Country Planning Act Chapter 35:01 when proclaimed and make provision inter alia for the
establishment of a National Planning Authority.
2. A Coastal Zone Policy, a National Spatial Infrastructure database and Land Information System
are to be established by regulations by the Minister of Planning and Development when the
PAFD Act is proclaimed.
3. The MoPD and the MoRDLG has commenced collaborative meetings to determine the logistics
necessary for rolling out aspects of the NPA.
4. The Municipal Planning components in the Act will be operationalised if the NPA is proclaimed
despite the local government legislation not being ready.
5. The MoPD is working aggressively towards ensuring that entities relevant to the PAFD Act are
ready for implementation of the Act.
6. The Subdivision Regulation in relation to land is being reviewed by the PAFD Act
Implementation Committee.
7. UTT has been engaged by the MoPD to develop a National Building Code for Trinidad and
Tobago.
8. The PAFD Act does not sufficiently treat with flooding or water.
9. Trinidad and Tobago requires a comprehensive Flood Management Act to consolidate the
various responsibilities for flood management.
10. There is need for an assessment to be undertaken with respect to the effectiveness of the various
pieces of legislation related to flood management.
21
11. Flood Management legislation needs to include high penalties for breaches and adequate
resources for enforcement.
12. There is need to supplement legislation with public education programmes on flooding and
institutional strengthening.
13. A National IWRM Policy was developed and approved in 2005 and later revised in August 2018.
14. The MPU is only a supporting policy-maker relative to flood management which is being led by
the MoWT and to some extent the MoRDLG.
15. The following policies are currently before the Cabinet for consideration and approval:
 the Draft National IWRM Policy, 2018 (submitted by the MPU); and
 a revised Hillside Policy (submitted by the MoPD).
16. The Draft National IWRM Policy, 2018 includes inter alia provisions to address land use planning
and management and infrastructure as well as stormwater management and integrated flood
management. An Integrated Flood Management Programme to be referenced in the said policy.
17. The National Draft IWRM Policy, 2018 provides that planning approvals by the TCPD and
other regulatory agencies for new developments must incorporate water resource management
concerns. Therefore, when the PAFD Act is proclaimed it will be required to incorporate water
resource management concerns.
18. The Executive Council in Tobago is being approached to officially establish a Cross-Divisional
Drainage Task Force.
19. The Draft Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy Framework (2019) has been finalised
through a public consultative process and is being reviewed for onward submission to the
Cabinet.
20. Some assessments on coastal flooding have already been done for South-West Tobago under
Objective 3 of the Draft Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy (2019).
22
21. The Coastal Zone Management Unit in Tobago is working on developing a Tobago-specific
Coastal Zone Management Policy.
22. Although there is no specific unit or authority designated to oversee the implementation of the
Integrated Flood Management Plan, the MoPD has taken the overarching responsibility to
coordinate with all agencies in order to implement the Plan within a reasonable time.
23. Trinidad and Tobago currently does not have a National Drainage and Water Management Plan.
24. Under the Vision 2030 policy framework the MoWT is also mandated to develop a plan to
alleviate flooding in the form of the National Drainage Plan.
25. In seeking to expedite the National Drainage Plan, the MoWT has approached the CAF Multi-
lateral Development Bank for technical assistance with the formulation of the Plan and
discussions are still ongoing
26. Current legislation governing littering is poorly managed and enforced. Strict adherence to
penalties under existing legislation can combat indiscriminate dumping, thereby curtailing
flooding issues.
27. More needs to be done by all stakeholders, inclusive of the Ministry of Health, MoRDLG and
the Municipal Corporations, EMA, MPU (SWMCOL) and the THA, to educate the public on
the effects of their attitudes towards disposal of waste.
28. The Municipal Corporations and SWMCOL can be encouraged to install more disposable bins
for all different type of waste.
29. The introduction of the Beverage Containers Bill will manage the indiscriminate dumping of
beverage containers and encourage methods of recycling.
30. The Curbside Recycling Programme is expected to play a major role in changing the attitudes of
citizens towards water and land pollution.
31. The training provided by the Basel Convention Regional Centre is not publicised enough.
23
32. The DIQE is addressing the indiscriminate disposal of waste through technology such as the
use of CCTV in hotspots and continued vigilance by environmental police.
33. More stringent punitive measures can assist the environmental police in Tobago.
34. A number of government ministries and agencies are responsible for flood alleviation and
control in varying degrees.
35. UWI has the capacity to and can play a more crucial role in assisting the State in finding solutions
for flooding through research.
36. Drainage infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago is generally aged and is not sized to
accommodate current rainfall patterns. Additionally, pump and gate infrastructure are obsolete
and can no longer be maintained or withstand current rainfall patterns.
37. There is need to assess the capacity of drainage infrastructure to determine its adequacy to
convey flows estimated from new rainfall data.
38. Frequent siltation is occurring because of poor land use practices.
39. The MoWT received insufficient funding for the upgrade and replacement of pumps and gates
in fiscal 2019/2020 under the PSIP Programme.
40. The MoWT received an allocation of 9Mn under the Development Programme to execute the
programme for upgrade to existing drainage pumps and the gate inventory.
41. The contributors to flooding in Port of Spain are multifaceted and the actions of the MoWT
have resulted in a reduction in the frequency of floods and duration of floods in Port of Spain.
42. The WRA’s Community Flood Early Warning System will provide real time flood alerts thereby
preparing citizens for impending floods so that the necessary action can be taken to mitigate the
risks associated with flooding.
43. The Municipal Corporations communicates frequently with the MoWT requesting their
intervention to deepen, widen and desilt the major watercourses in their Regions.
24
44. The DIQE continues to work aggressively on flood prevention through various desilting
programmes, the establishment of the Drainage Taskforce and the use of regulations to restore
wetlands, particularly in the Bon Accord Estate and environs.
45. The Construction Permit Process will monitor and carefully assess applications for
developments through a collaboration of all agencies involved.
46. The Construction Permit process in its current form has potential for enhancement once the
PAFD Act is fully proclaimed.
47. The Analytic Hierarchy Process used to assess the country’s flood risk did not consider the entire
river basin system or the design solutions required to control stormwater flows.
48. The UWI has the teaching and research capacity to assist with flood risk management and build
flood resilience.
49. The public must be informed of their expectations in minimising the adverse consequences of
flooding.
50. The government ministries and agencies responsible for flood alleviation such as the MoWT,
MPU, Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services Division (MET) and MoPD are
independently producing GIS maps to identify inter alia flood areas in Trinidad and Tobago.
51. Each of the agencies are engaging in different types of data collection for its maps for different
reasons.
52. The MoPD is overlaying its maps with information on high risk, or high density challenges for
flooding from the Drainage Division, MoWT and with information on unregulated
developments from the LSA.
53. There is need to treat with the issue of deforestation given that it leads to soil erosion which
increases the rate of siltation and sedimentation of waterways, thereby reducing the capacity of
rivers.
25
54. There is need to view flood waters as a resource and not as wastewater by saving and reusing
stormwater in dry periods in dams, stormwater ponds and other retention basins as a priority.
55. Trinidad is distressed by inland flooding while Tobago is more susceptible to landslides and river
and coastal flooding.
56. High intensity rainfall in a short period is likely to become very frequent because of climate
change and poor land use practices.
57. There is need for inter-agency coordination to address the issue of flooding.
58. Flooding can occur in both planned and unauthorised developments due to a number of factors,
particularly, climate change.
59. Flooding in or around developments in Tobago is influenced by tides, topography, changes in

land use, the inadequacy of existing drainage infrastructure and compromise in wetland
functionality.
60. The Municipal Corporations are the final approving authority for developments and not the
TCPD.
61. There is need for a coordinated and integrated approach to treat with the issue of flooding as it
relates to developments.The MoPD has however, poised itself as the agency to assist in the
coordination and development issues.
62. The MoPD is not pursuing a nationwide study because it has access to data from other
government agencies.
63. The MoPD is not the only agency responsible for enforcement but continues to engage in
discussions with relevant enforcement agencies.
64. The CoSL works together with the MoPD, TCPD and local government agencies to enforce
standards against illegal structures.
65. The LSA has a role to play with regards to enforcing standards on illegal developments but not
in areas susceptible to flooding.
26
66. Enforcement requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach by all stakeholders involved.
67. Legislation may be required to address gaps to improve inter-coordination between agencies.
68. Enforcement is a time-consuming process and is tardy at the level of the Municipal Corporations
because of inadequate staffing capacity and capability and Councillor’s community perspective.
69. Developers engage in developments with little inspection by the Municipal Corporations.
70. Studies are needed to determine the cost of flooding, however, the lack of information creates
uncertainty as to the effectiveness of the recommendations of studies since proper cost-benefit
analysis cannot be done.
71. There is an informal relationship between the MoWT and the UWI, however, UWI, DCCE
remains committed to providing assistance to the Ministry.
72. There is no institutional arrangement for the coordination between the MET Office, ODPM,
TEMA, the DIQE or Regional/ Municipal Disaster Management Units.
73. The MPU has formalised collaborations by way of MoU with the MET Office and the Water
Resource Agency.
74. The MoWT works closely with the TCPD and the Municipal Corporations to alleviate flooding.
The Effectiveness of Policies and Initiatives for Flood Alleviation and Control
75. Current legislation governing flooding in Trinidad and Tobago does not harmoniously address
all that is required to manage the issue.
76. There is need to clearly identify the main agencies involved in flood management and define
their roles including the agencies responsible for data collection and dissemination.
77. There is need to update and finalise the National Flood Contingency Plan (2003) prepared by
the ODPM and the IWRM, 2018 plan with current data on existing legislation and policies.
27
78. Mitigation measures embedded within the TCPD’s land use policies can be effective if properly
enforced.
79. There exists a lack of data or inadequate data needed to enable properly designed and sized
drainage infrastructure in residential, commercial and other spaces.
80. MoWT’s Drainage Division does not have a Drainage Manual or Drainage Code to guide
developers for proposed drainage infrastructure and stormwater management works. The UWI
has indicated that a Draft Drainage Code done by the Board of Engineering of Trinidad &
Tobago had reached an advanced stage but remained incomplete.
81. Flood alleviation works may be grossly overestimated because of the lack of data or poor data.
As a result, the identified works may not be considered due to the high funding costs
82. DIQE commenced the process of soliciting a suitably qualified state agency to carry out in-
depth studies.
83. The Division recognised the need to include additional systems such as stormwater ponds in
key areas that experience flooding.
84. Enforcement of stormwater management and drainage control as provided for in various pieces
of legislation, plans and policies has been a serial challenge in Tobago.
85. Through a dedicated plan and greater interagency collaboration regarding enforcement and
education of stormwater management and control, this issue of flood alleviation can be treated
with expeditiously.
86. The Municipal Corporations are not ready to make the transition to the Construction
Automation Permitting System, however, the MoRDLG is taking the necessary steps to ensure
readiness.
87. The MoRDLG and the MoPD are working out the needs to determine the most effective means
to staff the Municipal Corporations when the National Physical Planning Authority and the
Municipal Planning Authority are established.
28
88. The MoPD has data on applications and can apprise on the number of applications that the
TCPD receives by regions including the number of applications that were refused.
89. The TCPD does not share information instantly with other collaborative organisation because
of the absence of a shared database amongst entities responsible for the approval of
developments.
90. The decision or final arbitrator should not lie at the level of the Council of Municipal
Corporations.
91. The Municipal Planning Authority and the National Planning Authority will function
independently, staffed with its own experts.
92. Some Members of Council may not have the required competency profile to develop technical
tools and technical decisions whereas technocrats and public officers at the Municipal
Corporations are competent and have the required expertise.
93. In some Municipal Corporations, decisions are made by the technocrats and signed off by the
CEO while the reports on decisions are submitted to the Council for its information.
94. There is need for the establishment of a Water Resources Management Authority founded on
the principles of IWRM that is responsible for managing the watercourses and to meet the
objectives of stakeholders.
95. Spatial data which is available within various government Ministries, agencies and other
institutions is required to assist with the issue of flooding in Trinidad and Tobago.
96. The MoPD is working on the National Spatial Development Infrastructure where all entities
involved in the approval or recommendation of development will work as a committee to
approve and share data including protected data since some forms of data sharing is prohibited
under legislation.
97. Certain data sets are readily available but are inadequate to implement national science-based
mechanisms on disaster management.
29
98. Spatial data needed to assess flood risks and support decision-making as it relates to flood risk
management and alleviation is not readily available.
99. In spite of expert engineers at the UWI and elsewhere, Trinidad remains vulnerable to climate
change and by extension flooding due to the absence of viable solutions and the low priority
given to drainage and stormwater management.
100. External input from international consultants as it pertains to effective planning to treat with
flood alleviation and control of major river basins and drainage catchments is necessary and is
being undertaken.
101. The DIQE faces challenges, in terms of the ability to finance the engagement of experts. It is
essential that the drainage network be identified and mapped with relevant data such as rainfall
intensity, velocity discharge, soil type, topography and existing infrastructure.
102. Trinidad’s policies and initiatives are in keeping with international and/or regional standards.
However, not all policies and initiatives in Tobago satisfy this standard.
103. The MoWT sought to maintain compliance standards by sourcing models and other policy
initiatives for flood alleviation in Trinidad and Tobago from the CAF, through the MoF and
the United States Army Corps of Engineers through the US Embassy.
104. The DIQE has not engaged in a comprehensive and deliberate examination of the international
and regional policies and models for possible implementation in Tobago to treat with the issue
of flooding, but has considered specific aspects of international standards and practices and
implemented projects accordingly.
105. The use of PPP’s may be a viable option to aid with flooding and other control measures.
The Challenges Associated with Flood Alleviation and Control Measures
106. People will continue to be affected by flooding if, inter alia, apathetic attitudes towards flooding,
poor land use practices and a lack of enforcement continues to prevail. Public education is
required to change the culture of apathy.
30
107. There are numerous hindrances identified by stakeholders in the implementation of control
measures to prevent flooding in Trinidad.
108. Activities such as illegal/unregulated quarrying, encroachment of river reserves, backfilling and
illegal diversion of watercourses which contributes to sedimentation thereby reducing the
capacity of rivers are some of the challenges faced by the MoWT despite over three hundred
(300) desilting projects pursued by the MoWT in fiscal 2018/2019.
109. The Drainage Division, MoWT continues to work to address challenges by, inter alia, obtaining
reports of indiscriminate and illegal dumping, serving of notices and pursuance of annual paving,
painting, desilting, cleaning and walling initiatives.
110. There is a need for a more extensive flood monitoring network across the country to feed into
the Data and Notification Portal.
111. Enforcement matters that go to the courts from both the MoPD and Municipal Corporations
are protracted in the court processes.
112. Ministries responsible for flood alleviation and control are understaffed and the human resource
capacity as a result has to be fortified to deal with issues that contribute to flooding.
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SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations to improve the Current Policies and Measures for Flood

Alleviation and Control of Major River Basins and Drainage Catchments
1. An assessment be undertaken to determine the effectiveness of current flood

management legislation in relation to flood management by the MoPD given its
responsibility for planning. The assessment should identify areas for improvement and
be submitted to the Parliament six (6) months subsequent to the laying of the report.
2. A comprehensive flood management Act to incorporate all the various responsibilities

for flood management including areas for improvement as identified in the assessment
at Recommendation 1.
3. The MoPD examine the implications to an integrated Act where various aspects of it
relates to water, land, environment and planning can be incorporated into one Act of
Parliament by way of stakeholder consultations and update the Committee with its
findings and recommendations, one (1) year subsequent to the laying of this report.
4. Provisions for a Flood Control Project Implementation Plan to be updated every five (5)
years and included in the comprehensive flood management legislation.
5. Included in the comprehensive flood management legislation should be strict penalty

provisions for breaches and stringent enforcement mechanisms.
6. Parliament be alerted to the approval of the Draft National IWRM Policy, 2018 (which
is already two (2) years overdue), the National Hillside Policy and the Integrated Coastal
Zone Management Policy Framework for Trinidad and Tobago.
7. The Executive Council in Tobago establish a Cross-Divisional Drainage Task Force to

address drainage and flooding issues in Tobago.
8. The MoWT consult with the MPU regarding the provisions for stormwater management
and drainage control measures in the IWRM Policy, 2018 to avoid duplication of
resources and tasks.
9. The MoWT provide the Committee with a copy of the National Drainage Plan when
completed by the CAF.
32
10. The establishment of a specific unit within the MoPD for the implementation of the
Integrated Flood Management Plan.
11. The MPU, SWMCOL publicise on its website the training provided by the Basel
Convention Regional Centre on disposal of hazardous chemicals.
12. The Municipal Corporations and SWMCOL install additional disposable bins for
various types of waste at strategic locations.
13. The DIQE explore and implement more stringent, punitive measures to assist the
environmental police in Tobago.
14. The MoRDLG and the EMA collaborate to create stricter penalties to treat with
dumping.
15. The government agencies responsible for the management of litter collaborate on a
nationwide public education and sensitisation programme.
16. The MoWT, MoRDLG and the MoPD utilise the training and expertise being offered
by the UWI to find applicable solutions for treating with the issue of flooding.
17. Adequate funding be allocated under the PSIP for upgrade of existing drainage pumps
and gates, particularly those that are located in the highly vulnerable flood prone areas.
Budget cuts should not be made from this priority item.
18. The MPU submit to the UWI the Climate Change Vulnerability Studies for Trinidad
and Tobago for recommendations to improve the studies with specific reference to the
impact of climate change on flooding and flood management.
19. The MPU to collaborate with the MoWT and UWI to conduct an assessment of the
country’s flood risk which includes an examination of the entire river basin system to
provide integrated water management solutions required to control and manage
stormwater flows.
33
20. The Flood Management Plan mentioned in Recommendation 4, page 51, should
consider the five (5) approaches outlined by the UWI in building flood resilience as
referenced in Item 1.195, Page 91.
21. The MoPD, MoWT, MoRDLG, MPU, ODPM and MET Office collaborate for the
preparation of spatial and flooding maps to prevent unnecessary duplication and
wastage of resources.
22. The MoWT, MoRDLG, MALF, EMA, TCPD and MoNS work collaboratively to
exercise enforcement of penalties against deforestation practices (excessive logging,
quarrying, squatting and other illegal developments).
23. The MALF implement a rehabilitation/reforestation programme aimed at restoring

areas that have been severely affected by deforestation.
24. The entities involved in flood alleviation to collaborate in relation to harvesting of flood
waters and harnessing this water in dams, stormwater ponds and other retention basins
as a priority.
25. All current studies and reviews on flood control and alleviation consider the full impact
of high intensity rainfall patterns due to climate change and clearly identify measures to
mitigate against factors introduced by such change.
26. The MoPD to assist with collating all information from various studies on areas prone
to flooding to establish a comprehensive study for Trinidad and Tobago. The collated
information should be developed into a register of all unplanned developments that
contribute to flooding in their respective catchment areas and identify measures for the
regularisation of these developments in order to reduce flooding.
27. The MoPD in reviewing the studies ensure the accuracy and completeness of data in
order to determine the impact of developments on flooding.
28. The MoRDLG, MoPD, LSA and CoSL meet to discuss and agree on a procedure for
enforcing against illegal developments on State Lands.
34
29. The MoRDLG, MoPD, LSA and CoSL establish a shared database that serves as a
common register of illegal developments and a record of the actions taken/being taken
by the respective agencies to address the issues involved.
30. A discussion amongst the MoRDLG, MoPD, LSA and CoSL on the identification and
elimination of gaps in inter-agency coordination.
31. The MoRDLG collaborate with the MoPD to empower and equip its ACP with
information regarding denied building applications for follow-up and action
accordingly.
32. The MoWT, MoPD, MPU and MoRDLG collaborate on a study to determine the cost
of flooding. The UWI to be approached to spearhead the study.
33. The strengthening of the relationship between the UWI and the MoWT by way of a
MoU.
34. The establishment of an institutional arrangement for the coordination between the
MET Office, DIQE, ODPM, TEMA and the Regional/ Municipal Disaster
Management Units by way of a MoU.
35. The MoPD spearhead discussions with the stakeholder entities on an integrated
approach to deal with flooding and report to the Parliament within six (6) months on
the agreed integrated approach to be taken.
Recommendations to improve the Effectiveness of Policies and Initiatives for Flood

Alleviation and Control
36. Refer to Recommendation 2.
37. The legislation proposed in Recommendation 2 be founded on the principles of IWRM.
39. The MoWT undertake studies in the areas identified at 1.47 and other catchments areas
necessary to provide the comprehensive National Drainage Plan.
40. Reviews of existing studies and new studies be undertaken on the principles of IWRM.
35
41. The MoWT submit to the Committee updated information on studies and
recommendations when completed by the CAF.
42. The ODPM update the National Flood Contingency Plan (2003).
43. The MoWT’s Drainage Division request from the UWI a comprehensive listing of the
types and categories of data required to facilitate and inform proper design of
stormwater drainage infrastructure and stormwater management works. MoWT’s
Drainage Division should thereafter develop an implementation/action plan to collate
all existing data and ensure the continued collection of relevant data as well as develop
programmes for the collection of any new categories of data as required.
44. The MoWT engage the UWI to finalise a Drainage Code and Manual that will guide
developers in the design of drainage infrastructure works and stormwater management
policy.
45. A comprehensive study of the entire river basin systems and respective design solutions
to control flood stormwater flows in Tobago which should identify the suitability and
locations of stormwater ponds and other flood mitigation systems in key flooding hot
spots in Tobago.
46. The DIQE collaborate with the MoPD and Municipal Corporations to obtain
information on the measures that can be implemented and the action that can be taken
to improve enforcement and education as it pertains to stormwater management and
control.
47. The development of a database which should be shared among collaborative agencies
to allow instant sharing of information. This will increase the efficiency and
effectiveness of the approval/non-approval process of developments.
48. The Councils to convene monthly meetings for members of the public to express their
views in an amicable setting.
49. The TCPD to be the final authority for approving developments and not the Municipal
Corporations.
36
50. The establishment of a Water Resources Management Authority that is founded on the
principles of IWRM.
51. Provisions for this Authority be included in the legislation proposed at

Recommendation 2.
52. The MoWT consider expanding the name of the Drainage Division to include
stormwater management.
53. The establishment of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure Council to establish

standards and policies as it pertains to spatial data collection to ensure accurate and
standardised spatial data.
54. The MoPD engage in stakeholder consultation to discuss the importance of data
sharing, the need for data to be accurate and standardised and for legislation to facilitate
same.
55. The standards and polices established by the Council to include:

 collating and maintaining data from Ministries, agencies and academia to establish
coordinated data;
 frequent calibration and trained manpower to collect data within timeframes that
conform with international standards;
 the collection of spatial data that informs disaster risk management including flood
risk management;
 a relevant format for spatial data in accordance with international standards;
 the use of GIS to integrate, organise, process and visualise spatial data;
 a comprehensive spatial database; and
 the availability of hydrometerological data on a public platform.
56. The Flood Control Project Implementation Plan at Recommendation 4 should include
a Master Plan and Flood Control Project.
37
57. The government agencies responsible for flood alleviation use expertise provided by the
UWI as priority over foreign expertise.
58. The hydrology and GIS expertise be sought from the UWI for Tobago.
59. A thorough examination of the international and regional policies and models for
possible implementation in Trinidad and Tobago.
60. The MoWT examine capital intensive projects that the Government may not be able to
fund and establish PPP with interested private investors to fund same.
Recommendations to eliminate the Challenges Associated with Flood Alleviation and

Control Measures
61. The EMA to develop a short film which highlights the activities that contribute to
flooding as well as reveal the impacts of flooding in Trinidad and Tobago. This should
be aired on the local television channels and shared with students/schools.
62. The MoWT to work collaboratively with the MEEI and the MoNS to address the
following issues:
- illegal/unregulated quarrying;
- encroachment of river reserves; and
- backfilling and illegal diversion of watercourses.
64. The government agencies responsible for flood alleviation collaborate with the UWI to:
a. determine the true cost of flooding to the economy; and
b. establish an extensive flood monitoring network.
65. A Needs Analysis for the MoWT’s Drainage Division to determine the proper working
equipment and required staff.
38
66. MoPD and MoRDLG to approach the Service Commissions Department to expedite an
increase in the number of Inspectors and Enforcement Officers at the respective
Ministries.
67. The Councils of Municipal Corporations expedite enforcement matters upon filing of
same.
39
INTRODUCTION
1. The Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) has jurisdiction over the management of inter
alia:
 Drainage;
 Maintenance; and
 Programmes.4
2. The Drainage Division of the MoWT has a mandate to develop and maintain main
watercourses and irrigation systems, provide advisory services to ensure efficient and
effective flood erosion and sedimentation control, drainage, irrigation and reclamation, in a
cost effective manner, in order to improve the lives of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.56
3. The Division is guided by the Waterworks and Water Conservation Act, Chapter 54:41.
4. The core activities of the Drainage Division include inter alia:

 The provision of effective and efficient drainage services to reduce flooding; and
 The development and implementation of policies, plans, standards, regulations, rules and
requirements for quality drainage flood control.7
5. Some key services provided by the Drainage Division in relation to flood alleviation and
control are:
 Constructing, re-building or altering of any controlled structure over, in or under any
controlled channel;
 Alterations to the banks or bed of a controlled channel;
 Maintenance of any controlled structure or channel under the authority of the Division;
4
Gazette No. 125 of 2015 dated December 4th, 2015
5
http://www.mowt.gov.tt/general/subcategory.aspx?categoryID=3&subcategoryID=219
6
Ministry of Works and Transport Administrative Report 2009-2010
7
40
 Maintenance of all major watercourses under the jurisdiction of the Division via the use
of hired heavy equipment and in-house labour (River Control Gangs) to de-silt, clean and
clear major watercourses;
 Production, provision, implementation and creation of realignment to major
watercourses using contracted heavy equipment, erosion protection by small or medium
sized construction projects done in-house;
 Effective and quick response to dealing with flooding or erosion complaints from the
public;
 Monitoring major watercourses to ensure compliance with law from citizens or
corporations etc.;
 Developing and operating Irrigation Systems; and
 Advising the public on Drainage matters.8 9
6. The MoRDLG has jurisdiction over inter alia the management of the following:
 Construction and maintenance of access roads, drainage and irrigation systems;
 Local Government (including garbage collection and disposal);
 Public health and sanitation; and
 Waste management.10
7. Additionally, routine maintenance of roads, bridges, culverts and minor watercourses is

carried out by all Municipal Corporations. 11
8. The Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment’s (DIQE’s) core responsibilities
include inter alia construction, development and maintenance of the road network and drainage
systems.12
8
Ministry of Works and Transport Administrative Report 2009-2010 and 2010-2011
9
10
Gazette No 108 of 2017 dated October 11th, 2017
11
http://www.rdlg.gov.tt/en/MOLG/Services/Roads%20drains%20and%20other%20physical%20infrastructure.asp
x#.Wm9LmLynEdU
12
http://www.tha.gov.tt/divisions/infrastructure-quarries-environment/
41
9. The Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD) is the key collaborative Government
Ministry which provides the necessary policy guidance and development, technical support,
advice and feasibility assessment for national advancement. Its principal mandate is national
development which is focused on four main pillars, economic development, social development,
spatial development and environmental development.13
10. The MoPD also serves as the focal point for international and regional agencies such as the Inter-
American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations system of agencies, the European
Union and the Caribbean Development Bank.
11. The MoPD facilitates national development through:

 coordinating all stakeholders in the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Strategy
for Development, Vision 2030;
 co-ordination of national statistics;
 environmental policy, planning and management;
 national monitoring and evaluation;
 socio-economic planning, coordinating and monitoring;
 spatial development; and
 technical co-operation on inter alia special projects and programmes.14
Background to Inquiry
12. Flooding is a significant recurring problem in Trinidad and Tobago that results in serious
economic and social costs each year. It occurs frequently in both urban and rural areas leading
to substantial losses of property, crop damage, health problems and severe inconvenience to
whole communities.15
13
Ministry of Planning and Development website https://www.planning.gov.tt/content/about accessed on
January 27, 2020
14
Ministry of Planning and Development https://www.planning.gov.tt/content/about
15
National Integrated Water Resources Management Policy
http://www.mpu.gov.tt/home/files/Final%20Draft%20NIWRMP.pdf
42
13. Trinidad and Tobago, as a Small Island Developing State, is particularly vulnerable to severe
consequences of climate change, which results in sea level rise, increased flooding, increased
frequency and intensity of hurricanes, hillside erosion and loss of coastal habitats.16
14. Perennial flash floods occur along the foothills of the Northern Range and in the Caparo and
South Oropouche basins.17
15. There are fifty-five (55) catchment areas in Trinidad and fifteen (15) in Tobago.18
16. Over the years, the MoWT’s Drainage Division, the Municipal Corporations and the Division
of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment Tobago House of Assembly (THA) have
done maintenance works on the main river systems.
17. In recent years, instances of severe flooding have increased. In 2017, a number of
communities in Trinidad were affected by flooding, particularly in South and East Trinidad.
The flooding was attributed to heavy rains and a storm, Bret. Moreover, 2018 was met with
extensive flooding in the North-Eastern and Southern parts of Trinidad and was labelled a
natural disaster. It was described as the worst flooding experienced on the island in years.
18. The losses incurred as a result of the damages caused by the floods could not be adequately
counted or compensated, which ranged from diseases such as rat-borne leptospirosis to losses
in property, crops and livestock. Some affected persons lamented that they lost everything
while others faced restricted access to property due to some roads becoming impassable as a
result of flooding. In both years, flooding also resulted in cave-ins and landslides on some
roads in certain areas. In some instances, whole communities were cut off in some affected
areas.
16
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/1461Working%20for%20Sustainable%20Developm
ent%20in%20Trinidad%20and%20Tobago.pdf
17
National Integrated Water Resources Management Policy
http://www.mpu.gov.tt/home/files/Final%20Draft%20NIWRMP.pdf
18
2001 The Water Resources Agency For The Ministry of the Environment National Report On Integrating The
Management of Watersheds and Coastal Areas in Trinidad and Tobago Page 8
http://www.oas.org/reia/iwcam/pdf/trinidad%20and%20tobago/trinidad%20and%20tobago%20national%20rep
ort.pdf accessed on January 27, 2020
43
19. Additionally, it was reported by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management
(ODPM) that the island of Tobago was one of two of the areas worst hit by Tropical Storm
Karen in September, 2019.19
20. Given the foregoing and considering the increasing number of local flooding events, the need
to take a holistic look at the entire river basin systems and integrated water management
solutions which will effectively control Stormwater flows and flooding,20 the Committee
deemed an inquiry into this matter as imperative.
19
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday dated November 29, 2019 “Tobago, Bamboo worst hit by Tropical Storm Karen”
https://newsday.co.tt/2019/11/29/tobago-bamboo-worst-hit-by-tropical-storm-karen/ accessed on November
29, 2019
20
Sangre Grande Regional Municipality Final Draft Municipal Development Plan 2010-2020
http://www.sgrc.gov.tt/Portals/0/Documents/Sangre%20Grande%20Regional%20Corporation%20Spatial%20Dev
elopment%20Plan.pdf
44
1. THE CURRENT POLICIES AND MEASURES FOR

FLOOD ALLEVIATION AND CONTROL OF MAJOR
RIVER BASINS AND DRAINAGE CATCHMENTS
Policies for Flood Alleviation and Control of Major River Basins and Drainage
Catchments
Current Flood Management Legislation

1.1. The Committee was informed by the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) that the
responsibility for flood management is defined within several pieces of legislation which
several state agencies and Ministries are governed by:
 Highways Act Chapter 48:01;
 Town and Country Planning Act Chapter 35:01;
 Water Conservation and Waterworks Act Chapter 54:41;
 Disasters Measures Act Chapter 16:50; and
 Litter Act Chapter 30:52.
The Planning and Facilitation of Development Act, 2014

1.2. The Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD) informed the Committee that the
Planning and Facilitation of Development (PAFD) Act, 2014 when fully proclaimed will:
- repeal the Town and Country Planning Act Chapter 35:01;
- address coordinated efforts to physical planning issues among all agencies;
- permit greater flexibility and adaptability in the responses of planning officials to develop
initiatives in a number of areas;
- introduce a range of devices for development control such as listing of buildings of special
historical or architectural merit, building preservation orders, environmental repair
notices, environmental protection area orders and service charges to transfer from the
public to unlawful developers the cost of corrective works necessitated or amenities lost
though unauthorised developments.
45
1.3. As it pertains to assisting with the prevention of future flooding events, the PAFD Act
provides for:
- The National Planning Authority (NPA) as a body corporate with independent
statutory functions and its own budget;
- Consultation and co-ordination between the NPA and the Environmental
Management Authority (EMA) in respect of the designation of an “environmentally
sensitive species” as a special interest area” under the Second Schedule, Clause 3 of
the PAFD Act;
- The adoption of the Small Building Code which governs eighty percent (80%) of all
development and administrative procedures, forms and checklists in the subsidiary
legislation;
- The introduction of the position of Chief Enforcement Officer based on the need
for a strengthened and timelier enforcement mechanism;
- The replacement of the old regime of building approvals with an updated regime
which strengthens the approval, control and compliance aspects of land and building
development;
- The linking of planning and building approvals at the Municipal Corporations and
the improvement of the monitoring and compliance aspects of development,
through enabling legislation and empowerment at the local level; and
- The Minister with responsibility for Physical Planning and Development of land, by
Regulations, to make provision for a coastal zone policy, a national spatial
infrastructure database and land information system.
Efforts to operationalise the Planning and Facilitation of Development Act

1.4. The Committee was informed that the MoPD has a subcommittee which examines all the
elements as it pertains to moving into the planning and facilitation proclamation.
Additionally, given that the Municipal Planning Authorities will fall under the purview of the
Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MoRDLG), the MoPD has
commenced meetings with the MoRDLG where the proposed structures of those entities
were discussed.
46
1.5. The municipal planning components will be handed over to the MoRDLG once the Act is
fully proclaimed and regardless of the status of the proposed Local Government Reform
Legislation.
1.6. The Committee was also informed that part of the new process includes the Construction
Permitting Process. Further details are at Appendix VII.
1.7. The MoPD is also examining the profile of the members of the National Planning Authority
and is ensuring that the executive process is prepared for discussion with the senior executives
of the Ministry.
The Timeframe for the Implementation and Operationalisation of the PAFD Act and
National Physical Planning Authority
1.8. The MoPD was unable to provide a specific date for the implementation and
operationalisation of the PAFD Act and by extension the National Physical Planning
Authority until the entities are in a state of readiness. However, the MoPD indicated that:
- it is working aggressively towards ensuring that entities are ready;
- it is well advanced in terms of the work required to fully operationalise the Act; and
- it is working towards proclamation as early as 2020.
Regulations to give effect to the operationalisation of the PAFD Act and National Physical
Planning Authority
1.9. Section 61 of the PAFD Act makes provision for the Minister with responsibility for physical
planning and development of land to make regulations for inter alia:
1) Administrative procedures for securing approval and timely provision of utility services
and infrastructure in relation to the subdivision of land;
2) A building code for Trinidad and Tobago; and
3) Codes, standards and practices in relation to infrastructure and engineering works
specifying acceptable design criteria for the development of land, including:
a. Site preparation;
b. Building construction; or
c. Landscaping and re-vegetation.
47
1.10. The Committee was informed that the MoPD through the PAFD Act Implementation
Committee is reviewing a draft of the Subdivision Regulation in relation to land.
A National Building Code

1.11. The MoPD indicated that Cabinet by Minute 2070, October 9, 2019 has mandated the MoPD
to engage the services of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) to develop a National
Building Code for Trinidad and Tobago. The matter is actively being pursued.
1.12. The MoRDLG informed the Committee that presently there is no approved national building
code.
1.13. The DIQE, THA also indicated that consideration should be given to the incorporation of a
National Building Code to regulate building methodologies and instruct on correct
procedures for construction and infrastructure development in coastal and river zones which
is currently in progress via the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards.
The need for a Comprehensive Flood Management Legislation

1.14. The MoWT submitted that a comprehensive flood management legislation to consolidate
responsibilities into one comprehensive Act similar to that of developed countries is required
for Trinidad and Tobago. Similarly, the Ministry of Public Utilities (MPU) submitted that it
is prudent to have flood management legislation tailored for Trinidad and Tobago as in other
countries. Further, the MPU submitted that legislation is important for supporting policy
particularly in terms of setting standards and controls to govern the actions of people and
groups in the public and private spheres and implement sanctions.
1.15. The MoPD informed the Committee that Trinidad and Tobago can benefit from legislation
that would clearly speak to the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies and
departments at the central and local level that must play a part in flood mitigation.
1.16. The MoPD referenced the Netherlands’ Water Act (2010) which mandates the development
of a flood management plan utilising an integrated approach among all coordinating agencies
responsible for water resource management. In this model, the Netherland’s central
government is responsible for the main water system. However, water management is the
48
joint responsibility of the central government, provinces, municipalities and water Boards.
The Netherland’s Water Act will be integrated into the forthcoming Environmental Planning
Act which was accepted by the Dutch Parliament. As such, the Water Act will no longer exist
as an independent Act when the Environmental Planning Act comes into force. The Spatial
Planning Act, the Environmental Permit (General Provisions) Act and the Crisis and
Recovery Act will also be integrated into the new Act.
1.17. The Committee was informed by the MoRDLG that based on the size of Trinidad and
Tobago and the predominance of flooding, it is recommended that Trinidad and Tobago
formulate an integrated flood management legislation with high penalties for breaches as a
deterrent and adequate resources for enforcement.
1.18. The Committee was advised by the DIQE, THA that given the episodes of flooding
experienced in Trinidad and Tobago over the past few years and the projected impacts of
climate change such as sea level rise, coupled with more intense rainfall, hurricane and storm
events which are expected to increase the incidence of coastal and riverine flooding, there
may be need for flood management legislation.
The need for an assessment of legislation related flood management

1.19. The MoRDLG indicated the need for an assessment to be undertaken with respect to the
effectiveness of the various pieces of legislation related to flood management.
The need for institutional strengthening to minimise flood risk

1.20. The University of the West Indies (UWI) informed the Committee that in order for flood
legislation to be meaningful, institutional strengthening is required for building systems that
minimise flood risk; developing systems for minimising damage during the flood event; and
developing plans for recovery in the shortest possible time.
The need for a Public Education Programme on Flooding

1.21. The UWI indicated that legislation should be accompanied by public education programmes
on flooding, particularly sensitising the population to the expected increase in frequency and
how to preserve life, limb and property during the events.
49
FINDINGS
1. The Planning and Facilitation of Development Act, 2014 (PAFD) will replace the Town and
Country Planning Act when proclaimed and make provision, inter alia, for the establishment of
a National Planning Authority.
2. A Coastal Zone Policy, a National Spatial Infrastructure database and Land Information System
are to be established by regulations by the Minister of Planning and Development when the
PAFD Act is proclaimed.
3. The MoPD and the MoRDLG has commenced collaborative meetings to determine the logistics
necessary for rolling out aspects of the NPA.
4. The Municipal Planning components in the Act will be operationalised if the NPA is proclaimed
despite the local government legislation not being ready.
5. The MoPD is working aggressively towards ensuring that entities relevant to the PAFD Act are
ready for implementation of the Act.
6. The Subdivision Regulation in relation to land is being reviewed by the PAFD Act
Implementation Committee.
7. UTT has been engaged by the MoPD to develop a National Building Code for Trinidad and
Tobago.
8. The PAFD Act does not sufficiently treat with flooding or water.
9. Trinidad and Tobago requires a comprehensive Flood Management Act to consolidate the
various responsibilities for flood management.
10. There is need for an assessment to be undertaken with respect to the effectiveness of the various
pieces of legislation related to flood management.
11. Flood Management legislation needs to include high penalties for breaches and adequate
resources for enforcement.
50
12. There is need to supplement legislation with public education programmes on flooding and
institutional strengthening.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. We recommend that an assessment be undertaken to determine the effectiveness of
current flood management legislation in relation to flood management by the MoPD
given its responsibility for planning. The assessment should identify areas for
improvement and be submitted to the Parliament six (6) months subsequent to the
laying of the report.
2. We recommend a comprehensive flood management Act to incorporate all the various

responsibilities for flood management including areas for improvement as identified in
the assessment at Recommendation 1.
3. We recommend that the MoPD examine the implications to an integrated Act where
various aspects of it relates to water, land, environment and planning can be
incorporated into one Act of Parliament by way of stakeholder consultations and update
the Committee with its findings and recommendations, one (1) year subsequent to the
laying of this report.
4. We recommend that provisions for a Flood Control Project Implementation Plan to be

updated every five (5) years be included in the comprehensive flood management
legislation.
5. We recommend that included in the comprehensive flood management legislation

should be strict penalty provisions for breaches and stringent enforcement mechanisms.
Policies to treat with Flooding
National Integrated Water Resource Management Policy

1.22. The Committee was informed by the MPU that currently, there exists a Water Resources
Management Strategy for Trinidad and Tobago (1999). This strategy recommended the
formulation of the National Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Policy.
1.23. A National IWRM Policy was developed and approved in 2005 and later revised in August
2018.
51
1.24. The MoWT informed the Committee that the Draft National IWRM Policy, 2018 was
prepared under the guidance of a Cabinet-Appointed Steering Committee for the Review of
the National IWRM Policy. The Draft was submitted to the Cabinet for approval through
the MPU, given its overarching responsibility for water resources management in
consultation with key stakeholders. The MPU indicated that it is only a supporting policy-
maker relative to flood management which is being led by the MoWT and to some extent the
MoRDLG.
1.25. According to the MPU, integrated flood management is an important focus of the Policy, as
such, an Integrated Flood Management Programme to address flooding as a threat or natural
disaster and its potential to be harnessed to alleviate water supply problems for both potable
water and irrigation purposes is referenced in the revised Draft National IWRM Policy, 2018.
1.26. The Integrated Flood Management Programme is to be developed by the government in

collaboration with Municipal Corporations, the THA and other key stakeholders to identify
flood risk areas and to implement prevention, mitigation and response measures. The
programme will involve:
 Restricting development in flood plains;
 Enhancement of urban drainage systems over the next fifteen years. This will also involve the systematic
maintenance of existing and proposed systems;
 Establishment of a flood monitoring network and early warning system. This may include Real Time
Monitoring, an Early Warning System and Community Based Early Warning Systems;
 Implementation of a public education campaign;
 Harnessing of flood water to augment water supply;
 Where feasible, allow for the natural process of riverine flooding to take place to sustain aquatic,
riparian and floodplain ecosystem functioning; and
 Promotion of water infiltration zones in urban areas.
1.27. The MPU indicated that these mitigating factors should be implemented to reduce the level
of risk associated with flooding, including coastal areas in Trinidad and Tobago.
1.28. The MoWT informed the Committee that the Draft National IWRM Policy, 2018 includes
provisions to address land use planning and management and infrastructure as well as
stormwater management and integrated flood management.
52
1.29. The MoPD informed the Committee that under the National IWRM Policy, planning
approvals by the Town and Country Planning Division (TCPD) and other regulatory agencies
for new developments including housing and infrastructural developments must incorporate
water resource management concerns. This includes the mitigation of potentially negative
impacts on watersheds, the supply of adequate water and sewerage services, the protection
of surface and groundwater resources, the provision of adequate stormwater drainage systems
and the linkages between land use and water resources.
1.30. The Committee was also informed that the Draft National IWRM Policy, 2018 is in keeping
with international and regional standards.
Policies related to flood alleviation and control of major river basins and drainage catchments
in Tobago
1.31. Flood alleviation and control of major river basins and drainage catchments in Tobago is
guided by an approved Executive Council Minute No. 31, January 22, 2014 which established
protocols for river desilting.
1.32. The Committee was also advised that the DIQE will be approaching the Executive Council
with regards to officially establishing a Cross-Divisional Drainage Task Force, which will
examine inter alia Riparian Management, Drainage Maintenance and Drainage Design.
Coastal Zone Management Policy Framework (2019)

1.33. The MoPD participated in the development of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management
(ICZM) Policy Framework (2019) aimed at maintaining and where necessary, enhancing the
functional integrity of the coastal resource systems while enabling sustainable economic
development through rational decision-making and planning.
1.34. The ICZM Policy Framework (2019) was established by Cabinet decision dated No. 524 of
March 23, 2017.
1.35. An Inter-Ministerial Committee comprising the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), MoWT,
Coastal Protection Unit, Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI), Ministry of
Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and Office of
53
Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) and chaired by the MoPD guided the
implementation of the action plan for implementing the framework.
1.36. The ICZM Policy Framework (2019) has been finalised through a public consultative process
and is being reviewed for onward submission to the Cabinet.
1.37. Objective 3 of the ICZM Policy Framework (2019) speaks to reducing risk due to natural and
anthropogenic impacts including coastal flooding and conducting coastal and vulnerability
risk assessments that would inform planning and management policies.
1.38. The MoPD also indicated that some of the assessment on coastal flooding has already been
done for South-West, Tobago.
The Policies Directed at Protection of the Coastal Areas in Tobago

1.39. The DIQE informed the Committee that there is no coastal zone management policy specific
for Tobago. However, Tobago is guided by Trinidad and Tobago’s Draft Integrated Coastal
Zone Management Policy (2019) which was significantly influenced by international
benchmarks and models.
1.40. At present, the Coastal Zone Management Unit in Tobago is working on developing a
Tobago-specific Coastal Zone Management Policy.
The Status of the National Hillside Development Policy

1.41. The MoPD implemented a Hillside Policy years ago specifically for the Northern Range,
Trinidad. However, the TCPD indicated that it is currently revising the policy to include the
entire country. The revised policy was before the Cabinet for consideration. A number of
stakeholders were included to craft the policy for the Northern Range. The MoPD indicated
that stakeholders could also be included to craft the nationwide policy.
1.42. The issue of slash and burn will not be included in the national policy because it falls outside
of the remit of the MoPD. It is a matter for the Forestry Division or in some instances, the
MALF and the Commissioner of State Lands (CoSL). Nevertheless, the TCPD collaborates
with these agencies to obtain information about areas that are sensitive to slash and burn and
54
when the information is received, the TCPD makes recommendations that are tailored to the
particular local area.
FINDINGS
13. A National IWRM Policy was developed and approved in 2005 and later revised in August 2018.
14. The MPU is only a supporting policy-maker relative to flood management which is being led by
the MoWT and to some extent the MoRDLG.
15. The following policies are currently before the Cabinet for consideration and approval:
 the Draft National IWRM Policy, 2018 (submitted by the MPU); and
 a revised Hillside Policy (submitted by the MoPD).
16. The Draft National IWRM Policy, 2018 includes, inter alia, provisions to address land use
planning and management and infrastructure as well as stormwater management and integrated
flood management. An Integrated Flood Management Programme is referenced in the said
policy.
17. The National Draft IWRM Policy, 2018 provides that planning approvals by the TCPD and other
regulatory agencies for new developments must incorporate water resource management
concerns. Therefore, when the PAFD Act is proclaimed it will be required to incorporate water
resource management concerns.
18. The Executive Council in Tobago is being approached to officially establish a Cross-Divisional
Drainage Task Force.
19. The Draft Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy Framework (2019) has been finalised
through a public consultative process and is being reviewed for onward submission to the
Cabinet.
20. Some assessments on coastal flooding have already been done for South-West Tobago under
Objective 3 of the Draft Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy (2019).
55
21. The Coastal Zone Management Unit in Tobago is working on developing a Tobago-specific
Coastal Zone Management Policy.
RECOMMENDATIONS
6. We recommend that Parliament be alerted to the approval of the Draft National IWRM
Policy, 2018 (which is already two (2) years overdue), the National Hillside Policy and
the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy Framework for Trinidad and Tobago.
7. We agree to and recommend that the Executive Council in Tobago establish a Cross-
Divisional Drainage Task Force to address drainage and flooding issues in Tobago.
Flood Management Plans
Integrated Flood Management Plan

1.43. The Committee was informed by the MoPD that the issue of flooding is addressed in several
MoPD national plans and polices.
1.44. The MoPD in consultation with the implementing agencies provided policy guidance in the
form of the following strategic initiatives or actions under Goal 3 of the Vision 2030 National
Development Strategy 2016-2030 – Theme III Improving Productivity through Quality
Infrastructure and Transportation which references the development and implementation of
an Integrated Flood Management Plan:
3.2 Adopt an integrated planning approach to flood mitigation - Through the development and implementation
of an Integrated Flood Management Plan, strategies to maintain or augment the productivity of floodplains
while providing measures against losses due to flooding, will be adopted.
The Status of the Integrated Flood Management Plan

1.45. The Committee was informed that the MoPD has been in discussions with a number of
agencies for different components of the Integrated Flood Management Plan, for example,
the MoPD commenced an initiative with one Municipal Corporation and has also been
working on the environmental issues related to forestry and the management of the beverage
containers and plastics.
56
1.46. The MoPD also indicated that the Drainage Division, MoWT will treat with the physical
infrastructure accordingly.
The Entity taking the Lead Role on the Integrated Flood Management Plan
1.47. The MoPD informed the Committee that no one agency is responsible for the Integrated
Flood Management Plan.
1.48. However, the MoPD continues to take the overarching responsibility in terms of
coordinating with all agencies and monitoring the implementation of the Plan. The MoPD
has sight of all programmes and initiatives and determines whether the objectives of the flood
alleviation agenda are being achieved.
1.49. The responsibility is also handled at the level of the policy agenda and in terms of budgeting
under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).
1.50. Further, the Committee was informed that there is no specific unit or project team in the
MoPD for the implementation of the Integrated Flood Management Plan. Instead, the
MoPD’s Policy, Budgeting and Monitoring and Evaluation Units oversee the implementation
of the National Development Strategy.
1.51. The MoPD indicated that although it did not plan for a specific unit, it will consider same.
Comprehensive National Drainage Plan

1.52. The MoWT informed the Committee that currently, Trinidad and Tobago does not have a
National Drainage and Water Management Plan.
1.53. However, Cabinet by Minute 13 (2nd Session) of September 17, 2015, agreed inter alia to the
formal adoption of the official policy framework of the GoRTT. One of the priorities of this
Policy includes the implementation of a Comprehensive National Drainage Plan.
The MoWT’s Technical Assistance Plan

1.54. In accordance with the Vision 2030 policy framework, the MoWT is mandated to develop a
National Drainage Plan. Accordingly, the MoWT approached the Corporacion Andina de
Fomento (CAF), a multilateral financial institution which provides financial and related
57
services to the public and private sectors in Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal,
to prepare a Technical Assistance Plan which is essentially a Comprehensive Drainage Plan.
1.55. The Drainage Plan includes a Water Resource Management Policy and is intended to develop
solutions to address stormwater management and drainage control measures. The Plan will
consider every aspect of planning inclusive of economic feasibility as well as every aspect of
flooding including loss of life, property and land space.
1.56. The engagement with the CAF commenced through the MoF, in March, 2019. The
Committee was informed that the formalisation of this engagement is still being finalised.
1.57. The MoWT underscored that an integrated approach is being undertaken involving
stakeholder engagement with a range of public and private stakeholders to formulate the plan.
Further, the MoWT informed the Committee that before accepting any proposals, the MoWT
convened stakeholder engagements. The MoWT also outlined in its submission to CAF, the
need for an integrated approach to be taken. The CAF received submissions from
stakeholders such as WASA and the Water Resources Agency (WRA).
1.58. The following are the entities included in the Plan:

 MPU;
 MoRDLG, Municipal Corporations; and
 MoPD.
FINDINGS
22. Although there is no specific unit or authority designated to oversee the implementation of the
Integrated Flood Management Plan, the MoPD has taken the overarching responsibility to
coordinate with all agencies in order to implement the Plan within a reasonable time.
23. Trinidad and Tobago currently does not have a National Drainage and Water Management Plan.
24. Under the Vision 2030 policy framework the MoWT is also mandated to develop a plan to
alleviate flooding in the form of the National Drainage Plan.
58
25. In seeking to expedite the National Drainage Plan, the MoWT has approached the CAF Multi-
lateral Development Bank for technical assistance with the formulation of the Plan and
discussions are still ongoing
RECOMMENDATIONS
8. We recommend that the MoWT consult with the MPU regarding the provisions for
stormwater management and drainage control measures in the IWRM Policy, 2018 to
avoid duplication of resources and tasks.
9. We recommend that the MoWT provide the Committee with a copy of the National
Drainage Plan when completed by the CAF.
10. We recommend the establishment of a specific unit within the MoPD for the
implementation of the Integrated Flood Management Plan.
Current Litter Policy
Legislation
1.59. The MoRDLG informed the Committee that one of the functions of the Municipal
Corporations as prescribed at Section 232 (j) of the Municipal Corporation Act, Chapter
25:04, includes the disposal of garbage from public and private property. Additionally,
Municipal Corporations are also guided by the Litter Act, Chapter 30:52 and the Public
Health Act of 1950 and accompanying regulations in the management of waste and the
enforcement of sanctions for the commission of any offence covered by the foregoing
legislation.
1.60. However, the MoRDLG indicated that there is the need for stiffer penalties to be used as a
deterrent which may assist in enforcement and compliance as well as the need for nationwide
public education and sensitisation.
1.61. According to the MPU, the introduction of legislation to deal with plastics, stiffer penalties
for illegal dumping and strengthening of the solid waste disposal capability in Trinidad and
Tobago will assist in alleviating the issue of flooding and also improve the conditions in the
environment resulting in better quality water.
59
Legislation to Deal with Plastics

1.62. The Committee was informed by the MoPD that this issue is currently engaging the attention
of the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs (MoAGLA). The MoAGLA is
drafting legislation to prohibit the importation of finished expanded polystyrene for the Food
and Beverage Sector.
The Beverage Container Bill

1.63. The Committee was informed by the MPU that in recognition of the serious impact of
indiscriminate dumping it has been collaborating with the MoPD and the MoAGLA in the
drafting of a Beverage Container Bill to address the indiscriminate dumping of beverage
containers and to institute mechanisms to encourage the reuse and/or recycling of beverage
containers.
The Responsibility for the Management of Litter Policy

1.64. The MoWT informed the Committee that currently, the responsibility for the management
of litter policy is shared amongst entities such as, Ministry of Health, MoRDLG and the THA.
1.65. The MoRDLG indicated that:

 The EMA also has responsibility for monitoring policies related to environmental
degradation due to poor solid waste disposal; and
 the Municipal Corporations work in collaboration with the MPU’s Solid Waste
Management Company Limited (SWMCOL), which has the overall responsibility for
the legislation and policies governing solid waste management.
1.66. Similarly, the MoPD informed the Committee that the MoRDLG has responsibility for the
implementation of the country’s anti-littering legislation while the management of the
country’s waste disposal system is under the purview of the MPU’s, SWMCOL.
The need to improve the institutional capacity to enforce legislation to deal with plastics,
stiffer penalties for illegal dumping
1.67. The MPU indicated the need to improve the institutional capacity to enforce legislation to
deal with plastics, stiffer penalties for illegal dumping and strengthen the solid waste disposal
system given that it is currently split between the MoRDLG and the EMA.
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The Extent to Which Littering is caused by the Lack of Disposal Units

1.68. The MoWT and the UWI, indicated that dumping is a cultural issue and that the Government
of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago recognises the errant behaviour of the public.
1.69. The MoWT also indicated that there are agencies that have campaigns and programmes to
change the behaviour of the public. According to the MoWT, the Municipal Corporations
and SWMCOL can be encouraged to install more disposable bins for all different types of
waste. The MoPD also indicated the need to examine the issues of behaviour and attitudes
towards the management of waste.
The MoWT’s Education Programmes to inform the public about the effects of littering and
dumping
1.70. The Committee was informed that the education programmes to inform the public about the
effects of littering and dumping may be outside of the MoWT’s purview. The MoWT does
not have a direct responsibility for educating the public. However, the MoWT uses social
media platforms such as Facebook to inform the public about its public littering and dumping
campaigns. The MoWT has been trying with its public warnings and community stakeholder’s
engagements to warn members of the public about the impact of the poor dumping practices.
The MoWT works closely with all the agencies that are responsible for educating the public
on the impact of dumping.
SWMCOL’s Public Education Programmes

1.71. The MPU indicated that the SWMCOL continues to successfully partner with civil society
and the private sector to implement a number of public education programmes such as
“Environment and You” and “Trashtag”, aimed at reducing the impacts of flooding by raising
environmental awareness to reduce littering and eradicate waste from communities.
1.72. SWMCOL is also presently partnering with the EMA on a recycling project entitled
Community Awareness Recycle Everyday (I-Care), to increase the recovery of beverage
containers and reduce the littering of sidewalks, drains and rivers with bottles. With the
introduction of the Beverage Containers Bill it is anticipated that littering will be further
reduced thus mitigating flood impact.
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The Municipal Corporations participation in the Curbside Recycling Programme

1.73. The MoRDLG informed the Committee that some of the Municipal Corporations have
initiated a partnership with SWMCOL and the EMA on a Curbside Recycling Programme,
where milk and juice cartons, aluminum, cans and plastic bottles are collected twice per week
and stored for collection by SWMCOL. The Programme is expected to reduce land and water
based pollution.
The Need to Engage in Training Offered by the Basel Convention Regional Centre
1.74. The Committee was informed by the MoWT that the Basel Convention Regional Centre
provides training in the Caribbean and Latin America, on disposal of hazardous chemicals.
However, the training provided by the Centre is not publicised enough.
The Initiatives Being Taken In Tobago to Treat With Illegal Dumping

1.75. The DIQE, THA informed the Committee that Tobago has its challenges with indiscriminate
disposal of waste which is being addressed through the introduction of technology such as
closed-circuit television (CCTV) in specific hotspots and continued vigilance by the
environmental police attached to the Department of the Environment (DoE) of the DIQE.
1.76. The Committee was also advised that the effectiveness of the continued actions of the
environmental police may be aided by more stringent punitive measures.
1.77. Additionally, the DIQE indicated that based on the material present within watercourses and
strewn along beaches after flood events it can be reasonably concluded that vegetative debris,
particularly bamboo, is the pivotal causal factor in channel blockage and subsequent flooding.
The Action That Can Be Taken On Illegal Dumping

1.78. The Committee was informed by the MoRDLG that each Municipal Police Officer is also a
Litter Warden who can issue clean-up orders and take action on illegal dumping. An example
was given of a person who was taken to court by a Municipal Corporation for breaching the
Litter Act Chapter 30:52, however, in that instance, judgement was given against the Officer.
Therefore, the MoRDLG has adopted an approach to ensure that the Municipal Police
Officers understand their role with respect to enforcement of the Litter Act in addition to
policing issues and that the Municipal Corporations take the necessary steps at the level of
the Council with respect to clean-up Orders and other Orders.
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FINDINGS
26. Current legislation governing littering is poorly managed and enforced. Strict adherence to
penalties under existing legislation can combat indiscriminate dumping, thereby curtailing
flooding issues.
27. More needs to be done by all stakeholders, inclusive of the Ministry of Health, MoRDLG and
the Municipal Corporations, EMA, MPU (SWMCOL) and the THA, to educate the public on
the effects of their attitudes towards disposal of waste.
28. The Municipal Corporations and SWMCOL can be encouraged to install more disposable bins
for all different types of waste.
29. The introduction of the Beverage Containers Bill will manage the indiscriminate dumping of
beverage containers and encourage methods of recycling.
30. The Curbside Recycling Programme is expected to play a major role in changing the attitudes of
citizens towards water and land pollution.
31. The training provided by the Basel Convention Regional Centre is not publicised enough.
32. The DIQE is addressing the indiscriminate disposal of waste through technology such as the
use of CCTV in hotspots and continued vigilance by environmental police.
33. More stringent punitive measures can assist the environmental police in Tobago.
RECOMMENDATIONS
11. We recommend that the MPU, SWMCOL publicise on its website the training provided
by the Basel Convention Regional Centre on disposal of hazardous chemicals.
12. We recommend that the Municipal Corporations and SWMCOL install additional
disposable bins for various types of waste at strategic locations.
13. We agree with and recommend that the DIQE explore and implement more stringent,
punitive measures to assist the environmental police in Tobago.
14. We recommend that the MoRDLG and the EMA collaborate to create stricter penalties
to treat with dumping.
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15. We concur with and recommend that the government agencies responsible for the
management of litter collaborate on a nationwide public education and sensitisation
programme.
Measures for Flood Alleviation and Control of Major River Basins and Drainage
Catchments
Entities responsible for Flood Alleviation and Control Measures
1.79. Based on the information received from the MoWT and the MoRDLG, it was concluded
that the following ministries/entities are responsible for flood alleviation and control
measures for major river basins and drainage catchments:
 MoWT - the Drainage Division;
 MoRDLG;
 MALF - the Engineering Division is responsible for the maintenance of drainage for
agricultural access roads for use by farmers to access farmlands;
 MoPD- TCPD; and
 The MPU-Water Resources Management Authority.
Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders responsible for Flood Alleviation and

Control
The Role of the MoWT, Drainage Division

1.80. The MoWT informed the Committee that its Drainage Division’s responsibilities include but
are not limited to the maintenance of natural watercourses in Trinidad. The Drainage
Division pursues its responsibilities through its four (4) district offices located in the North,
South, East and Central.
1.81. Additionally, the role of the MoWT under the Highways Act, Chapter 48:01 is to maintain
drainage structures along highways and major roadways.
1.82. The MoWT also provides advisory services to public and private agencies in areas of land
development and hydraulic drainage designs.
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The Role of MoWT, Coastal Protection Unit

1.83. The Committee was informed that the MoWT’s Coastal Protection Unit is responsible for
the mitigation of coastal flooding.
The Role of the MoRDLG

1.84. The MoRDLG has a statutory responsibility in accordance with the Municipal Corporation
Act, Chapter 25:04 [the Act] and Act No. 8 of 1992. The Municipal Corporations are
responsible for the construction and maintenance of all local roads, drains and watercourses.
However, the responsibilities do not include major river basins and drainage catchments, or
main watercourses and drains along main roads and highways which is consistent with Section
112 (1) (d) of the Act: “the Corporation Fund shall be applied towards the payment of the expenses
incurred in forming and laying out, repairing, draining, cleaning and lighting the streets, foot ways, squares
and other public places vested in the Corporation, but not including the paving or maintenance of natural
ravines, main drains and watercourses”.
1.85. The MoRDLG is also guided by the Public Health Ordinance Chapter 12 No.4. Part 54 of
the Ordinance assigns local authority the responsibility to keep local drains clean and in repair.
1.86. The MoRDLG submitted that flood mitigation at the local level may include the following:
 Identification of specific standards for development based on site characteristics for areas
susceptible to flooding;
 Preparedness and mitigation procedures which controls erosion (minimising angle of
slopes), reducing velocity flows (retention ponds); and
 Emergency procedures (evacuation, transport, emergency relief and recovery).
The Role of the MoRDLG in the Protection of Coastal Areas

1.87. The Committee was informed by the MoRDLG that the Municipal Corporations are guided
with respect to the management of coastlines by the MoWT’s Coastal Protection Unit given
that the Unit is responsible for the development of policies and initiatives related to the
preservation and rehabilitation of Trinidad’s coastlines such as, the implementation of
groynes in susceptible areas including sensitisation sessions related to erosion of the coastal
lines.
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1.88. The MoRDLG also indicated that the MoPD also provides guidance on standards for
development in coastal areas.
The Role of the MoPD

1.89. Given that the MoPD is responsible for the Vision 2030, National Development Strategy,
some of the main objectives therein are flood mitigation and placing the environment at the
centre of social and economic development. The MoPD’s thrust has been towards mitigation
in terms of examining the impact of climate change and how the country deals with the
impact. The MoPD fulfills this primary objective through several of its entities such as the
EMA and its key agency, the TCPD.
1.90. The Committee was advised that MoPD is involved in flood mitigation measures in areas
susceptible to flooding:
 Enforcement of land use policies that defines and stipulates setback distances from rivers
and watercourses;
 Recommending or establishing no-build zones;
 Developing Spatial Planning Guidelines to guide national development activities for
climate change adaptation and flood-prone areas.
1.91. The MoPD, through the TCPD uses an inclusive approach to spatial planning which seeks
to address issues relating to economic, social and environmental matters in an integrated
manner under the National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS).
1.92. The MoPD also makes recommendations on structure types and provides information on
the interagency approval process.
The Town and Country Planning Division

1.93. The TCPD derives its mandate from the Town and Country Planning Act Chapter 35:01[TCP
Act] which allows for the TCPD through the Minister, to guide the orderly and progressive
development of land in both urban and rural areas and to preserve and improve the amenities
thereof.
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1.94. The TCPD also plays a regulatory role in guiding building developments with respect to flood
mitigation. This includes identifying:
i. areas where development would be prohibited once the flood risk has been identified
by the Drainage Division, MoWT;
ii. areas of conservation where the watershed needs to be protected to facilitate
regeneration of the water supply; and
iii. areas where due to soil type, slippage of the soil can be anticipated.
1.95. The TCPD’s response to natural hazards such as flooding (coastal, riverine, flash and urban)
can be found in its integrated spatial planning policies and planning standards that relate to
the location and design of developments.
The TCPD’s Enforcement Role

1.96. Through its enforcement role, the TCPD takes action against unapproved and unplanned
development including those that may potentially lead to flooding.
The TCPD’s Role in Planning Permissions

1.97. Planning permission is granted for development subject to conditions relating to the design
and installation of infrastructure, design and layout of drainage, structural and engineering
works, design and layout of devices for the prevention and protection against fire, the supply
of potable water and the disposal of sewage, safety of the work place and any other conditions
as needed, particularly as it relates to excavation care of the environment and nuisances.
1.98. However, these conditions relate to aspects of implementing development and these do not
fall within the purview of the TCPD in accordance with the TCP Act but with other entities
such as the MoWT, Drainage Division, Municipal Corporations, Fire Services Division,
WASA and OSHA.
The Role of the MPU

1.99. The Committee was informed that the following agencies under the MPU’s purview, execute
critical responsibilities throughout the flood and alleviation control cycle from prevention
and preparedness, response and mitigation to rehabilitation and recovery particularly:
- Water Resource Agency (WRA),
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- Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services Division (MET); and

- Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company Limited (SWMCOL).
The Role of the Water Resource Agency

1.100. The WRA, WASA is charged with the management of the country’s water resources which
includes the monitoring of rainfall, surface water and ground water systems.
Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services Division

1.101. The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services Division (MET) has a mission to provide
meteorological information and advice consistent with international standards.
SWMCOL
1.102. The Committee was informed that SWMCOL closely monitors pre-warning flood alerts and
prepares the landfills to receive post flood debris if significant flooding is predicted.
The Role of the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment Tobago House of
Assembly (THA)
1.103. The DIQE in collaboration with the Division of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries
(DFPFF) has the responsibility to ensure major rivers are desilted and cleared of debris along
strategic segments to minimise the potential for flooding.
1.104. The DIQE also has responsibility for the maintenance of all major roadside drains while the
establishment and maintenance of the minor roadside drainage systems are the responsibility
of both the DIQE and the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development
(DHWFD). Both monthly paid and daily paid labour forces are used to resource these
activities.
1.105. During flooding events the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) spearheads
response and recovery operations. Additionally, there is a full cadre of organisations under
their disposal which includes the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, Trinidad and Tobago Police
Service.
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The Role of the DIQE in the protection of Coastal Areas

1.106. The Committee was informed that the THA has recognised the threat posed to Tobago’s
coastline and infrastructure. To properly manage these challenges, a Coastal Zone
Management Unit was formed in 2018. The Unit is presently focused on emergency works
as it pertains to coastal erosion.
The Role of the University of the West Indies (UWI)

1.107. The UWI indicated that it exists to advance learning, create knowledge and foster innovation
for the positive transformation of Caribbean societies.
1.108. The Committee was also informed that the Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering’s (DCEE) core mandate is in providing the academic base for engineers and for
conducting relevant research to assist the industry. The Department’s specific role is in
training professionals in hydrologic and hydrological modelling for the development of
predictive tools that can be used for designing systems for flood mitigation.
The UWI’s role in assisting the State in finding a technological solution to store flood waters
1.109. The UWI informed the Committee that it assists when approached and is available to provide
the required expertise including sitting on committees upon request. The UWI further
indicated its willingness to provide assistance with respect to training and creating knowledge
to develop a flood resilient system to solve the problem of flooding given that it:
- can assist in customising programmes at the tertiary, post-graduate level where there are
particular needs and the various Ministries require expertise;
- has opportunities for providing research when requested; and
- can be part of the development of the flood hazard maps given that it is able to perform
hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to provide better quality and more accurate maps.
1.110. The UWI also indicated that the required tools for the models may come from good hardware
facilities, powerful computers that are able to do the simulations.
The Role of the ODPM

1.111. By letter dated October 11, 2019, the Committee was informed by the OPDM, that the
mandate for flood alleviation and control does not fall under the ODPM’s purview. However,
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as the national coordinating agency for Disaster Risk Reduction, the ODPM’s principal
responsibility relative to flooding situations is to coordinate the response of national agencies
and international partners in the event of severe flooding that overwhelms the Municipal
Corporations and the national capacity respectively. The ODPM also plays a critical role with
regard to the preparation of maps of flood plains and the updating of maps in a timely
manner.
FINDINGS
34. A number of government ministries and agencies are responsible for flood alleviation and
control in varying degrees.
35. UWI has the capacity to and can play a more crucial role in assisting the State in finding solutions
for flooding through research.
RECOMMENDATIONS
16. We recommend that the MoWT, MoRDLG and the MoPD utilise the training and
expertise being offered by the UWI to find applicable solutions for treating with the
issue of flooding.
Drainage and Flood Infrastructure
Current Drainage Infrastructure

1.112. The UWI submitted that generally the existing drainage infrastructure consisting of lined and
unlined channels of a range of sizes, levees, hydraulic structures, such as bridges and culverts,
tidal gates, silt traps, weirs, diversion channels and their control works, sumps, pumps,
ancillary works and detention basins, are all aged. Furthermore, the infrastructure was sized
to accommodate rainfall patterns observed in the 1960s. As a result, there is need to assess
the capacity of drainage infrastructure to determine its adequacy to convey flows estimated
from new rainfall data in recent times.
1.113. The UWI also indicated that the inadequacy of the capacity of drainage infrastructure is
further aggravated by demanding maintenance schedules caused by frequent siltation, owing
to land use practices in the upper segments of many catchments.
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1.114. The Committee was also advised by the MoWT that Goal 3 of the National Development
Strategy 2016-2030 articulates strategic initiatives for investing in sound infrastructure and
the environment in Trinidad and Tobago. As it pertains to the upgrade of the drainage
systems, the document states that, “Measures will be adopted to improve the drainage infrastructure
and reduce the incidence of flooding in low lying areas”.
Current Pumps and Sluice Gates Infrastructure

1.115. The Committee was informed by the MoWT that pump and gate infrastructure dates back to
the 1960’s and 1970’s. The MoWT has been maintaining pumps and gates over the years.
However, based on an assessment conducted by the MoWT in 2018, it was concluded that
gates and pumps have become obsolete and can no longer be maintained.
1.116. Therefore, a programme to upgrade and replace pumps and gates was developed and included
under the government’s development programme for fiscal 2020 and is being executed by
the Drainage Division, MoWT. Details on the number of non-functioning gates and pumps
in need of repair are at Appendix VIII.
The extent to which sluice gates and pumps are important in the fight against flooding
1.117. The Committee was informed by the MoWT that gates and pumps control the flow of water
and are very important in certain areas particularly for irrigation in the dry season. There are
various types of gate infrastructure which are required for different purposes, such as, sluice
gates, flood gates and flap gates.
Entities Responsible for Drainage Infrastructure

1.118. The Committee was informed by the MoRDLG that both the MoWT’s Drainage Division
and the MoRDLG facilitates and are responsible for the upgrade of drainage infrastructure.
Allocations for Drainage Infrastructure and Projects
The PSIP allocation for promoting and dealing with the issue of drainage and management
of flood alleviation in Trinidad and Tobago
1.119. The Committee was informed by the MoPD that in fiscal 2020, the sum of $143.4 million
has been provided under the PSIP for a number of different types of projects to support the
different Ministries and agencies, including the MoWT, MoRDLG, the THA and the MALF
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in promoting and dealing with the issue of drainage and management of flood alleviation in
Trinidad and Tobago.
The Percentage of the PSIP allocation for the MoWT’s drainage works in fiscal 2020
1.120. Approximately 6% of the MoWT’s PSIP allocation for fiscal 2020 has been allocated for
drainage works.
The inadequacy of the PSIP allocation for the Caroni Irrigation and Drainage Infrastructure
Phase 2 Felicity pump house
1.121. The MoWT received an allocation of 1.1Mn under the PSIP Programme for the Caroni
Irrigation and Drainage Infrastructure Phase 2 Felicity pump house which it deemed
insufficient.
The MoWT’s allocation for the upgrade and replacement of pumps and gates under the
Development Programme
1.122. Initially, the MoWT received an $18Mn allocation to execute the programme for Upgrade to
Existing Drainage Pumps and Gate Inventory. It was proposed that 100% of the allocation
would be utilised for the repair of gates and pumps. However, this allocation was reduced to
$9Mn.
1.123. The Committee was also informed that in fiscal 2019, there was no expenditure due to
finalisation of tender documents and reprioritising of the said programme and the funds from
the budgetary allocation of $9Mn. were transferred to pay outstanding bills under another
programme.
1.124. To date five (5) out of a total of twelve (12) projects have been awarded and commenced.
Details of these 5 projects as at March 10, 2020 were:
- Upgrade of Tulsa Trace Pump House and Gates (Penal) – 5% completed;
- Reconstruction of Sadhoo Trace Pump House (El Socorro South) – 5% completed;
- Upgrade of Gate Structure at Bamboo No. 1 – 20% completed;
- Upgrade of Gate Structures at St. John’s (Fyzabad) – 5% completed;
- Upgrade of Gate Structures at Trinidad Point (Woodlands) – 5% completed.
1.125. Projects proposed to be tendered during fiscal 2020 are:
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- Upgrade of Gate Structures in the St. Augustine Area;

- Upgrade of Bamboo No. 2 Pump House and Gates;
- Upgrade of Gate Structures in the St. Helena Area;
- Upgrade of Bamboo No. 1 Pump House;
- Upgrade of Sea Lots Pump House and Gate structures;
- Reconstruction of Williams Street Pump House; and
- Upgrade of Gate Structures in the Caroni Irrigation Area.
1.126. The Committee was also informed that the results on the impact of pump and gate
infrastructure will not be seen yet because works have recently commenced. However, a
reduction in flooding is anticipated when the initiatives come to fruition.
The MoRDLG’s Allocation for Drainage and Irrigation

1.127. The MoRDLG is allocated funding under the PSIP (Consolidated Fund and Infrastructure
Development Fund) to conduct development, upgrade and rehabilitation works on local
roads and drainage. For fiscal 2019/2020, the MoRDLG received an increase in its PSIP
allocation and was allocated 1.53% of the overall National Budget for drainage works.
1.128. The MoRDLG and the fourteen (14) Municipal Corporation’s drainage projects are aligned
with the budgetary allocation under the recurrent and PSIP.
1.129. In fiscal 2019, the MoRDLG was allocated approximately $75 million of which 82.7 per cent
was accessed.
FINDINGS
36. Drainage infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago is generally aged and is not sized to
accommodate current rainfall patterns. Additionally, pump and gate infrastructure are obsolete
and can no longer be maintained or withstand current rainfall patterns.
37. There is need to assess the capacity of drainage infrastructure to determine its adequacy to
convey flows estimated from new rainfall data.
38. Frequent siltation is occurring because of poor land use practices.
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39. The MoWT received insufficient funding for the upgrade and replacement of pumps and gates
in fiscal 2019/2020 under the PSIP Programme.
40. The MoWT received an allocation of 9Mn under the Development Programme to execute the
programme for upgrade to existing drainage pumps and the gate inventory.
RECOMMENDATIONS
17. We recommend that the adequate funding be allocated under the PSIP for upgrade of
existing drainage pumps and gates, particularly those that are located in the highly
vulnerable flood prone areas. Budget cuts should not be made from this priority item.
Current Programmes and Initiatives geared towards Flood Alleviation and Control
Measures for Major River Basins and Drainage Catchment in Trinidad and Tobago
The MoWT’s Programmes and Initiatives
The Programmes and Projects undertaken by the MoWT in fiscal 2018/2019 in Trinidad
1.130. During fiscal 2018/2019, the MoWT commenced implementation of projects to treat with
drainage and flooding throughout Trinidad. These projects are broken down into Recurrent,
Development and Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) projects.
 Recurrent Projects (Vote 09) - these include projects requiring large equipment. The
MoWT establishes annually a bonded list of contractors to hire when and required
equipment to clear debris from watercourses.
 Desilting Projects and Construction Projects (Vote 28) - the MoWT pursued over
three hundred (300) desilting projects in fiscal 2018/2019 based on complaints received
by the communities under the recurrent programme. Vote 28 also includes construction
projects which consist of walling and paving of watercourses where required to minimise
flooding. Twenty-eight (28) contractors were engaged by the MoWT through the
procurement agency to build walls, pave parts of the rivers, to alleviate flooding and
erosion control.
 Major Rivers Cleaning Programme - under the PSIP includes:
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- Caroni Rehabilitation and Improvement Works Project -In fiscal 2019, this project
was awarded a contract sum of $19.5Mn. and was 65% completed.
 Irrigation and Drainage Infrastructure

- Caroni Irrigation and Drainage Infrastructure Phase 2 Felicity pump house – this
project was awarded a contract sum of $1.1Mn and is 98% complete. Works included
installation of pumps and rehabilitation works on Felicity gate, irrigation structures
and outpour drains.
 Infrastructure for flood mitigation - for fiscal 2018/2019 included:

- the Diana River Improvement Works Phase 2 which is 20% complete;
- the flood reduction works at Maridelay and Guarcara River;
- Soledad River Improvement Works; and
- Irrigation and Drainage Infrastructure at Caroni Irrigation Rivers.
 National Programme - includes the Maraval Basin River Basin improvement works.
1.131. The Committee was also informed that in fiscal 2019, allocations from Vote 003
Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Flood Mitigation Programme $486k out of the budgetary
allocation of $6Mn was used to meet an outstanding bill under the programme.
1.132. Additionally, it was indicated that the Flood Alleviation and Drainage Programme under Vote
005 was created with the intention to undertake drainage works in various catchments in the
city of Port of Spain. Loan funding for this programme was intended to be sourced from the
IDB However, this did not materialise. Therefore, $2Mn from the budgetary allocation was
transferred to pay outstanding bills under another programme.
The MoWT’s Current Programmes and Initiatives geared towards flood alleviation and
control
1.133. The MoWT submitted the following information regarding its current programmes and
initiatives directed at flood alleviation and control measures for major river basins and
drainage catchments:
1. Comprehensive Desilting Programme – the main objective of this programme is to
execute maintenance works in major watercourses throughout the country in an effort to
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mitigate flooding in areas susceptible to severe flooding, annually. Equipment and labour
are sourced from bonded contractors for the cleaning and desilting of river channels;
clearing and removal of grass and debris from within the river channels and formation or
rebuilding of embankments which were previously eroded or likely to be eroded.
2. Short-Term construction and rehabilitation works for erosion and flood control -
to mitigate flooding and prevent the erosion and degradation of river channels with the
view to protecting properties in close vicinity to the watercourse. The scope of works
generally consists of walling and paving works and/or rehabilitation and improvement of
existing channels. The projects are procured through the MoWT’s Procurement Unit and
the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO).
3. Internal River Control and Construction Crews for maintenance of watercourses;
4. Programme for the Upgrade of Drainage Pumps and Gates;
5. Comprehensive Drainage Plan; and
6. Critical Coastal Protection Programme (CCPP).
The MoWT’s Short, Medium and Long Term Measures

1.134. The Committee was informed by the MoWT of the following short, medium and long term
measures for flood alleviation and control of major river basins and drainage catchments in
Trinidad and Tobago:
Short Term Measures

1.135. The MoWT’s Drainage Division’s in-house River Control Workers utilise small handheld
tools such as spades, grabs, rakes, cutlasses and chainsaws to carry out routine maintenance
functions on drainage structures and watercourses. These works are distributed and
supervised by Gangers who are further supervised by Works Supervisors. Projects are
developed by technical staff of the Division for watercourses that require the use of heavy
equipment. Projects are procured through the MoWT’s Procurement Unit or from bonded
contractors. Surveyors specify the length of watercourse to be cleaned, the cross-section
required and the levels. Technical staff monitor works involving equipment to ensure
conformity with specifications.
Medium Term Measures
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1.136. The following drainage projects and studies will be continued under its Development
Programme:
- Major River Clearing Programme;
- Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Flood Mitigation;
- Comprehensive National Drainage Development Study;
- Flood Mitigation Project for the North West Peninsula;
- National Programme for the Upgrade of Drainage Channels;
- Flood Mitigation -Erosion Control Programme;
- Upgrade of the Pump Stations and Gate Structures; and
- Development of a Comprehensive Drainage Plan.
Long Term Measures

1.137. The MoWT intends to review completed studies in the long term with a view to developing
priority programmes/projects for implementation such as:
- Feasibility Studies and detailed design for Ortoire River Basin Drainage Study;
- Caroni River Basin Study;
- South Oropouche River Basin Study; and
- North Oropouche River Basin Study.
The MoWT’s Coastal Protection Programme

1.138. The MoWT has a Comprehensive Coastal Protection Programme (CCPP) to repair and
protect coastlines. As it pertains to the North Cocas Bay area, the coastline project is in three
phases, the Cocas Bay, South Cocas and North Cocas and will be treated with in the fiscal
year 2020.
The MoWT’s Critical Protection Programme

1.139. The Critical Coastal Protection Programme is a multiphase strategy or roadmap involving a
combination of projects and components for addressing the impacts of climate change such
as, the increasing vulnerability of coastal communities, infrastructure and assets to sea level
rise, coastal erosion and coastal flooding at critical areas along Trinidad’s coastline. The
Programme is implemented by the MoWT’s Coastal Protection Unit and consists of a number
of hard and soft sustainable solutions aimed at flood mitigation and erosion control measures
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and to support government’s policies on the environment, infrastructure and rural

development.
The MoWT’s Efforts to address National Flooding

1.140. The MoWT spends millions of dollars trying to clean the watercourses to minimise the effect
of flooding.
The MoWT’s Action to reduce Flooding since 2018

1.141. The MoWT is working to formulate a policy to submit to Cabinet regarding flood reduction,
which will support the management of flooding by legislation. It is anticipated that this policy
should be submitted to Cabinet around the middle of 2020.
The MoWT efforts to Reduce Flooding in Port of Spain

1.142. The MoWT is taking a priority approach to treat with flooding in Port of Spain with an aim
to reduce the number of street flooding for motorist and pedestrians. The MoWT has
completed two (2) out of eight (8) catchments in Port of Spain in 2019 and will complete
another two (2) catchments in 2020. South Quay and the HYATT were identified as two
critical areas for priority in 2019/2020.
1.143. The scope of works involves maintenance which entails cleaning of culverts. The MoWT is
also involved in reconstruction. In this regard, the following actions have been taken by the
MoWT:
- Adopted a different approach using camera technology to examine culverts;
- Cleared seven (7) culverts in the catchment in Port of Spain to the outfall;
- Installed grills to keep culverts clean;
- Works with the Port of Spain City Corporation gangs to monitor grills every morning;
- Commenced an initiative to construct gate and pump systems at culverts to prevent tidal
water from entering into Port of Spain;
- Constructed a gate and pump system at a culvert located in Broadway;
- Installed additional culverts in front of PTSC, a small detention pond, a pump gate and
flap gate under the PURE programme; and
- Wrote to the EMA for approval to close-off a section of the cove so that flood waters
could run into that area and be pumped into the sea. The area will also be used as a
garbage collection point to remove the garbage and prevent it from entering into the sea.
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1.144. The MoWT is seeking in the medium term to install a flap system and a pump system at all
seven (7) culverts that empty into the bay.
1.145. The aforementioned action of the MoWT has resulted in a reduction in the frequency and
duration of floods. Flood waters in Port of Spain now recede after an hour. Further reduction
in the duration of flooding is anticipated when the pumps are commissioned.
Contributors to flooding in Port of Spain

1.146. As it pertains to the contributors to flooding in Port of Spain, the Committee was informed
that:
- the MoWT discovered that there was no gate system and as such flood waters could not
flow as quickly when there is high tide or high intensity rainfall;
- the MoWT encountered a lot of garbage in Port of Spain when undergoing cleaning
exercises;
- a critical drain on Henry Street which spans under the PTSC building collapsed on
Wrightson Road;
- Utilities such as WASA and NGC breached the structural integrity of culverts and
contributed to the collapsing of culverts; and
- High intensity rainfall was experienced which comes with climate change.
The areas prone to flooding in Port of Spain

1.147. Based on rainfall, the MoWT has a fair idea of the areas prone to flooding in Port of Spain.
The MoWT indicated that it can consider an early warning system to inform the public of
imminent flooding and recession.
The MoRDLG Current Programs and Initiatives

1.148. According to the MoRDLG, flooding is everyone’s business. The MoRDLG recognised that
it cannot view flooding as business as usual but business unusual. The MoRDLG also
underscored the need for:
- new strategies to be devised to alleviate problems citizens are facing;
- a holistic Government and societal approach; and
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- Ministries and Departments to do things differently in terms of legislation,

enforcement legislation, culture change, education and awareness building and
provision of facilities such as bins.
1.149. The MoRDLG provided the following information regarding the short, medium and long
term measures implemented by the Municipal Corporations for flood alleviation for the
minor watercourses:
Figure 1
The Short, Medium and Long Term Measures implemented by the Municipal
Corporations for Flood Alleviation for Minor Watercourses
Medium term
Short term measures
measures Long term measures
• cleans watercourses • engineering solutions • spatial planning;

during the dry season which properly size • ensures every
to reduce vegetation catchments, drains, development has
growth; retention/detention approval;
ponds. • rigorous enforcement
• repairs broken drains;
of the approved
• installs trash racks and drainage plans; and
silt traps; and • acquisition of
• assess areas susceptible equipment.
to flooding and
prioritisation of same.
Source: MoRDLG Submission dated April 9, 2019
The MoRDLG Drainage and Irrigation Projects

1.150. Projects are selected by the various local government representatives, approved by Councils
and forwarded to the MoRDLG for review and onward transmission to the Ministry of
Finance for the requisite release of funds. Together with the fourteen (14) Municipal
Corporation, the MoRDLG spent in excess of a million dollars to complete a number of
projects under its Drainage and Irrigation Programme.
1.151. The MoRDLG and the Municipal Corporations constructed over 20,000 meters of box
drains, 4,000 metres of curb walls and slipper drains, 450 metres of box culvert crossings and
four (4) bridges with its 2019 allocation. This achievement will have a positive impact on
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stormwater runoff and a reduction in the inconvenience and discomfort experienced in

communities due to flooding.
1.152. Additionally, when resources are available, the Municipal Corporations assist via programmes
such as annual desilting programmes with contracted labor, in the routine maintenance of
drainage and watercourses (earthen and concrete) that are direct contributors to flooding in
the susceptible municipalities.
1.153. Routine maintenance is also done on local roadside drainage and minor watercourses based
on priority within the context of limited resources and personnel.
MoPD’s Initiatives
1.154. The MoPD and the TCPD are conscious of the potential impacts of flooding on various
communities in Trinidad and Tobago. The MoPD has been working with several of its
development partners to implement policies and standards to guide the development of the
built infrastructure of Trinidad and Tobago.
1.155. The MoPD submitted the following information with regard to its current initiatives directed
at flood alleviation and control measures for major river basins and drainage catchments in
Trinidad and Tobago:
 NSDS Policy 20 Manging Hazard Risk;
 Hillside Development Policy;
 Spatial Planning Guidelines (SPGs);
 Small Building Code of Trinidad and Tobago (2006); and
 The Environmental Policy and Planning Division of the MoPD.
The MoPD’s Construction Permitting Process

1.156. The permitting of construction is one of the MoPD’s key indicators for ease of doing
business. However, the MoPD does poorly in this area and ranks over 140 in terms of poor
performance. To improve in this area, the MoPD entered into a contractual arrangement with
Crimson Logic in February, 2018 through a competitive tender’s process for a single
electronic window to establish a Construction Permitting Process. Crimson Logic has been
working with the MoPD as well as all entities involved in the approval process for
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construction. The software does not only include the entry of data but also training and
retraining persons to collect data and digitise records.
1.157. As it pertains to the Construction Permit Process, the Committee was informed that:
Purpose and function:
- It is an automated-based initiative involving a transparent application process to guide
the development of applicants in terms of where to construct built infrastructure;
- It is intended to, inter alia, improve efficiency and effectiveness of the TCPD and will
eliminate the need for the applicant to visit the various entities for approvals;
- All regulatory agencies will be able to access an application that has been uploaded and
verified simultaneously in real time. This includes assisting planners to make the best
recommendations and Development Control Officers who will be be able to view the
development site, take pictures and respond to the application with the technology; and
- Applicants will be able to track the status of their application as well.
Status of Digitising Records:

- Between the periods 2000 to 2017, the MoPD digitised over 51,000 records in the Port
of Spain area and entities falling under the purview of the TCPD’s Port of Spain Office
including part of the county of Caroni;
- The MoPD also commenced the digitisation of the records of its South Offices and will
soon commence same in the parallel East area and in Tobago; and
- The MoPD anticipates that all its records will be digitised by mid-2020 to assist planners
with properly mapping an application. Planners will also have access to a historical
account with information up to the year 2000 as an interim.
Procedure:
- The first approval will involve planning permission, thereafter, the application will be
automatically forwarded to other organisations to validate the application;
- With Local Government Reform, the activity will be shared with other authorities and
effected by the local government entities;
- Each user must be registered with TTBizlink to be able to access the system; and
- A helpdesk using a temporary incident tracking solution called Spiceworks is an integral
part in the Pilot of the system for agencies and the public facing issues with the system.
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Training:
- Training has been included as part of the MoPD’s project activity via a train the trainer
programme; and
- The Housing and Development Corporation, Office of the Commissioner of State Lands
and Highways Division will receive training next.
Stakeholders involved in the Process:

- The process does not only involve the MoPD, but all the Municipal Corporations and
other public entities such as MoWT, MPU, WASA, THA and T&TEC;
- The WASA together with other statutory agencies will be able to access the system and
attend to the applications simultaneously; and
- Priority was given to the agencies involved in the pilot.
Status:
- The MoPD’s agenda for January 2020 includes the commencement of the first pilot of
the Construction Permitting Process in the Port of Spain area which will be the first
regional office and the other departments will follow shortly thereafter;
- The pilot will identify and fix the last tweaks in the process for the project’s roll out;
- The system has been designed and is being finalised and most of the project’s
development has been completed;
- The week of January 6, 2020 was dedicated to ensuring that all the agencies involved in
the pilot are registered for DevelopTT;
- Hardware assessments were carried out in fiscal 2018/2019 and a list of agencies and
their minimum hardware requirements were noted;
- The IT department, MoPD will conduct a second hardware assessment in 2020 to verify
any changes to the list of agencies;
- Four newspaper spots have been offered by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to assist
in building awareness about the project and the need to be registered; and
- The TCPD anticipates the potential enhancement of the Construction Permitting Process
development planning control and management through the full proclamation of the
Planning and Facilitation of Development Act, Act No 10 of 2014, the passage of the
Urban and Regional Planning Bill and the ultimate devolution of land use planning
functions to the Municipal Corporations.
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Considerations:
- Many agencies lack the minimum hardware to use the system;
- Outstanding MoUs with agencies are to be signed and commencement of the project will
be paused where MoUs are not signed;
- Some of the MoPD’s sister agencies require support in terms of technology and
retraining;
- TTConnect is required to be trained to use the system to provide the required guidance
to the public; and
- Spicework is not as robust as the CA Service Desk but is a good interim solution.
1.158. Further details are at Appendix VII.
The Role of the National Planning Authority in the planning and ultimate approval process
1.159. The Committee was informed that the National Planning Authority will be responsible for
complex applications while the Municipal Planning Authority will be responsible for simple
applications.
The MoPD’s Complex Facilitation Development Committee

1.160. The MoPD has a Complex Facilitation Development Committee for complex development
which involves an informal but robust process.
1.161. Depending on the type of development, the Complex Facilitation Development Committee
includes representatives of various State agencies and Ministries such as the MoPD, Drainage
Division, MoWT and the EMA.
1.162. Developers present proposals to the Committee and are informed of the expectations when
the proposal is submitted. Potentially complexed development proposals are discussed prior
to the submission of an application.
1.163. The Committee provides instruction in advance of an application being refused. In many
instances, developers have been instructed by the Committee to redo proposals that involve
extensive development in low-lying, high-risk, flood-prone areas.
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Examination of the role of the PSIP in promoting and dealing with the issue of drainage and
management of flood alleviation
1.164. The MoPD is also examining how some of the important studies on the environment have
been financed under the National Development Plan, Vision 2030, as well as under the PSIP.
The MoPD’s Climate Change Vulnerability Studies

1.165. The MoPD conducted through a technical cooperation with the European Union, a climate
change vulnerability study for Trinidad which examines seven key sectors, the agriculture,
water resources, human health, costal resources and fisheries, human settlements and
infrastructure, biodiversity and the financial sectors, including insurance.
1.166. The Committee was informed that stakeholders in Tobago called for a holistic approach to
be taken. Accordingly, an integrated vulnerability study was done for Tobago which provided
certain elements on dealing with certain key vulnerabilities in different areas and certain
actions required to be undertaken.
1.167. The study for Tobago comprised an extensive number of working groups from all Ministries
and entities who also contributed to the report. The report was completed in January, 2019
and is available on the MoPD’s website.
1.168. In the reports, all the areas in Trinidad and Tobago were identified as vulnerable and there
are key communities that always have the impacts over the last few years. Recommendations
were made on the studies, which were shared with all the entities. The MoPD also indicated
that it is seeking to update some of the information from the study on future scenarios for
2030 and the year 2050, in terms of the risk to climate change and the predicted impacts.
1.169. The maps done for the Climate Change Vulnerability Study which also involved collaboration
with all the stakeholders is currently being reviewed and would be finalised soon and shared
with stakeholders.
1.170. However, the UWI informed the Committee that it has not had sight yet of the studies
referenced by the MoPD. However, the UWI indicated that it has seen other studies.
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The MPU’s Programmes and Initiatives
1.171. The MPU and its agencies are largely involved in the pre-disaster phase with particular focus
on integrated water resource management, flood forecasting and early warning.
The Water Resource Agency’s Programmes

1.172. The WRA is currently implementing two programmes, the Adopt a River Programme and
the Community Flood Early Warning System:
The Adopt a River Programme

1.173. The Adopt a River programme is an Integrated Water Resources Management initiative that
actively engages the participation of a range of stakeholders including Municipal
Corporations, academic institutions, community-based organisations and Non-
Governmental Organisations throughout Trinidad and Tobago, in the protection and
management of the nation’s watersheds and rivers. The Programme educates the public on
measures to improve watersheds and rivers with special focus on preserving natural
infrastructure (trees, rivers, etc.). It also aims to regulate pollution, the availability and
sustainability of the country’s water resources, as well as inland and coastal flooding. The
Programme also seeks to invoke a cultural shift towards enhancing the appreciation of the
water ecosystems and curbing the negative anthropogenic impact on it through, for example
dumping of garbage in watercourses, unsustainable agricultural practices, unregulated land
development, etc.).
WRA’s Community Flood Early Warning System

1.174. The Committee was informed by the MPU that the WRA’s Community Flood Early Warning
System is being implemented in partnership with the MoRDLG and the Trinidad and Tobago
Red Cross Society. The System is intended to reduce the vulnerability of communities that
are susceptible to flooding by providing near real-time information on rising water levels
using a web-based data and notification portal. Initially, the MPU did not could not acquire
a suitable portal for information and developed an in-house portal. The portal is an
information display system and provides information on rainfall and levels of stream flow in
various areas.
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1.175. Additionally, the system provides a prediction of the scale, timing, location and likely damages
of the impending flood. It uses data from sensors to measure water levels at strategic points
to forecast a potential flood event.
1.176. The application is in the beta or testing phase and when completed will provide near real time
rainfall data, river levels and reservoir information. As such, data on rainfall and streamflow
will be available in a timely manner to stakeholders so that the necessary action can also be
taken in a timely manner.
1.177. The MPU shared the site with various stakeholders including as its main partner, the
MoRDLG as well as the Disaster Management Units (DMUs), the MoWT’s Drainage
Division, UWI and several other stakeholders to examine the portal to determine if it meets
their needs or requires changes.
1.178. The MPU is seeking to work with MoRDLG to equip each Municipal Corporation with
information on rainfall and stream flow in their respective areas to warn citizens of flood and
take the necessary action accordingly.
1.179. The information from the application will also be shared with other key stakeholders such as
the ODPM, MET Office, Highways Division, MoWT and community groups. These
agencies will be trained to analyse, interpret data and provide the required response based on
the level of alert.
1.180. The portal was expected to be finalised by February/March 2020 and be made available to
other stakeholders. The Committee was also informed that the TEMA is extending the
application to Tobago. The application will be available in the ensuing 3-4months.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services Division Flood Forecasting System
1.181. The MET Office has developed a flood forecasting system which can predict major flood
events in Trinidad and Tobago. The system serves as a tool for decision makers as part of the
country’s flood management, alleviation, control, planning and development strategies. The
MET Office’s flood forecasting and warning system is part of a wider disaster management
capacity devolving from the highest level of government. Flood warnings issued by the MET
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Office requires the action of other internal agencies at the MPU such as the WRA of the
WASA, to deliver real time information on river levels and stage data. Likewise externally
with national and local/municipal authorities DMUs for ground-truth information on
occurring flooding and for dissemination of warnings in the various communities.
The Meteorological Services Division Flood Risk Assessment

1.182. The Committee was informed by the MPU that in 2018, the MET Office assessed the
country’s flood risk using an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), prior to the devastating flood
of October 2018. This process uses a Multi-Criteria Analysis method coupled with
Geographic Information System (GIS). The AHP is a decision making support tool used to
integrate several elements under the two (2) criteria, hazard and vulnerability, in an effort to
determine the most influential on the associated risk.
1.183. The assessment considered various causative factors such as but not limited to spatial rainfall
intensity, slope and elevation of the land across Trinidad and Tobago, as well as contributing
factors of population density, number of households and distance from rivers. However, the
assessment did not consider the entire river basin system, nor did it consider design solutions
needed to control storm-water flows.
1.184. Additionally, the MPU informed the Committee that the WASA supported the Drainage
Division, MoWT through NIDCO in the completion of two (2) extensive and detailed river
basin studies in Caroni (2013) and Caparo (2014) that provided a range of solutions to address
perennial flooding in these areas.
The National Climate Outlook Forum

1.185. In 2015, the MET Office operationalised a National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) to
shift the actions of key stakeholders from one of response to preparedness. According to the
MPU, NCOF is an international best practice of the global framework for climate services
and brings together stakeholders such as the Drainage Division, MoWT, WRA, WASA,
ODPM, TEMA and the DMUs of the Municipal Corporations.
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The Programmes, Projects and Initiatives in Tobago

1.186. The Committee was informed that the following programme, projects and initiatives being
undertaken in Tobago were borne out of caution and the recognition of the need to provide
policy oversight and the necessary support to deal with the impact of climate change. Flood
disaster mitigation initiatives in Tobago comprise the River Desilting Programme as well as
the activities of the Drainage Taskforce.
River Desilting Programme

1.187. The DIQE and DFPFF collaborate on a River Desilting Programme which ensures that
rivers are inspected, desilted and cleared of debris prior to the rainy season. The programme
also involves the management of the use or reuse of desilted material to discourage the
systematic “mining” of rivers. Additionally, subsequent to major rainfall, action is taken on
the recommendation/s made by technical staff.
Drainage Taskforce
1.188. In recognition of the need to do things differently, the DIQE has collaborated with the
DFPFF and the DHWFD in establishing a Drainage Taskforce which is responsible for
preventative maintenance in the context of the drainage network and the review and redesign
of the existing drainage network on the island.
1.189. The Drainage Task Force collaborates well with the WASA, DFPFF and the DHWFD to
ensure that the drainage infrastructure is up to standard.
Bon Accord Wetlands Regulation and Maintenance

1.190. WASA and the DIQE collaborate on the Bon Accord Wetlands regulation and maintenance.
The DIQE indicated that this is a challenging exercise aimed at the restoration of proper
circulation in the wetlands which aid drainage of the Bon Accord Estate and environs. The
exercise is ongoing and is expected to impact positively on the wetland’s ecosystem and the
drainage of the area.
Other initiatives
1.191. The DIQE adopted a more aggressive and proactive approach following the passing of storm
Karen particularly in the area of Scarborough. The DIQE established and continues to work
with the Tobago Infrastructure Development Committee and the Tobago Disaster
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Management Committee. Additionally, the DIQE implemented Green Solutions such as

reforestation programmes, a deliberate attempt to reduce carbon footprint, wetland co-
management and rehabilitation; greater policing of mining and land clearance.
Short, Medium and Long Term Measures currently being considered for Flood Alleviation
in Tobago
1.192. The Committee was informed by the DIQE of the short, medium and long term measures
currently being considered for flood alleviation in Tobago:
Figure 2
Short, medium and long term measures currently being considered for flood
alleviation in Tobago
Short Term Mid Term Long Term

• Immediate • Identification of drains • Development of
identification of areas and watercourses that comprehensive
in Tobago historically are below required drainage plans for all
susceptible to flooding capacity; areas of Tobago;
(extremely slow run • Designing of drain and • GPS mapping of all
off, ponding, flooding); watercourses; and watercourses and
and • Construction/reconstr drains in Tobago;
• Immediate mobilisation uction of drains that to • Conformity of all new
of resources to provide allow drains to have drain construction with
preventative solutions increased capacity. drainage plans; and
(drain cleaning, • Media campaigns to
vegetative clearing, raise public awareness
desilting of ponds and of the impact of
watercourses). littering, illegal
dumping and
unauthorised
construction.
Source: DIQE Submission dated October 10, 2019
The UWI’s Initiatives

1.193. In terms of its teaching capacity, the DCEE, UWI informed the Committee that:
- it currently offers various courses that provide the basis for flood risk management at
undergraduate level;
- advanced course on flood modelling was offered at the postgraduate level in 2018;
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- the department will continue to provide the fundamentals at the B.Sc. level and continue
to update its curriculum to keep track of new requirements; and
- it is able to provide advanced training through its postgraduate programmes and also
through customised courses to meet specific needs of the industry.
1.194. As it pertains to research, the Committee was informed that the department has been actively
involved in research work on many aspects of flood risk management, which include:
- Peak flow estimation from unplanned developments;
- Calibration of hydrologic models for streamflow estimation;
- Calibration of hydrodynamic models for prediction of the depth and velocity of water
on the floodplain from extreme events;
- The identification of the causes of major flood events;
- The development of tools, such as the IDF curves, for hydrologic analyses; and
- The investigation of the cost effectiveness of some flood prevention measures.
1.195. The UWI also indicated that it is fully aware that its initiatives are but a part of the requirement
needed for building flood resilience. According to the UWI, flood resilience involves efficient
pursuance of the following five (5) approaches:
i. Flood prevention - this involves keeping people away from the water. In this regard, the
MoPD, TCPD is required to examine flood defense including the flood hazard maps to
identify the areas that are prone to flooding and try to avoid approving developments in
these areas;
ii. Flood defense - the MoWT’s Drainage Division has the role of keeping the water away
from people via embankments and detention basins. Flood defense is currently the main
emphasis. However, it is costly;
iii. Flood mitigation – this involves, inter alia, elevating homes and providing sand bags
when required. The MoRDLG is the agency responsible for flood mitigation;
iv. Flood preparation - is most important because of the need to move people in a flood
event. An early flood warning system and a well-articulated evacuation plan is required
and is the responsibility of local government; and
v. Flood recovery - this an opportunity to assess what occurred so that different methods
can be utilised in preparation for similar events.
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1.196. The UWI also indicated that:

- these approaches require an adequate governance structure for them to be properly
implemented;
- flood water management does not only involve a technological solution;
- Contributions from other disciplines are also needed and are available at other
departments at the UWI;
- Public education is also an important component as this can help citizens understand
their role in minimising adverse consequences of flooding.
1.197. The UWI underscored the need:

- for physical and hydro meteorological data of sound quality;
- for hydro meteorological data to be made available to the public; and
- to ensure that the agencies responsible for hydro meteorological data are supplied
with the necessary resources.
1.198. The UWI also indicated that it is committed to working with organisations to bring about the
transformation through robust infrastructure and governance systems to minimise disruption
from flooding and permit economic and social pursuits of communities within Trinidad and
Tobago.
FINDINGS
41. The contributors to flooding in Port of Spain are multifaceted and the actions of the MoWT
have resulted in a reduction in the frequency of floods and duration of floods in Port of Spain.
42. The WRA’s Community Flood Early Warning System will provide real time flood alerts,
thereby preparing citizens for impending floods so that the necessary action can be taken to
mitigate the risks associated with flooding.
43. The Municipal Corporations communicates frequently with the MoWT requesting their
intervention to deepen, widen and desilt the major watercourses in their Regions.
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44. The DIQE continues to work aggressively on flood prevention through various desilting
programmes, the establishment of the Drainage Taskforce and the use of regulations to restore
wetlands, particularly in the Bon Accord Estate and environs.
45. The Construction Permit Process will monitor and carefully assess applications for
developments through a collaboration of all agencies involved.
46. The Construction Permit process in its current form has potential for enhancement once the
PAFD Act is fully proclaimed.
47. The Analytic Hierarchy Process used to assess the country’s flood risk did not consider the
entire river basin system or the design solutions required to control stormwater flows.
48. The UWI has the teaching and research capacity to assist with flood risk management and build
flood resilience.
49. The public must be informed of the expectations in minimising the adverse consequences of
flooding.
RECOMMENDATIONS
18. We recommend that the MPU submit to the UWI the Climate Change Vulnerability
Studies for Trinidad and Tobago for recommendations to improve the studies with
specific reference to the impact of climate change on flooding and flood management.
19. We recommend that the MPU collaborate with the MoWT and UWI to conduct an
assessment of the country’s flood risk which includes an examination of the entire river
basin system to provide integrated water management solutions required to control and
manage stormwater flows.
20. We recommend that the Flood Management Plan mentioned in Recommendation 4,

page 51, should consider the five (5) approaches outlined by the UWI in building flood
resilience as referenced in Item 1.195, Page 91.
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Maps and Model on flood plains in Trinidad and Tobago
The MoWT Maps

1.199. The Committee was informed that the MoWT is developing in-house capability in terms of
modelling catchments through the technical assistance of the CAF21 Bank for ,inter alia, a map
of Trinidad and Tobago to identify flood areas. The maps are required in order to formalise
a solution with stakeholders.
1.200. Engineers at the MoWT were also receiving training with regards to developing maps based
on flood plains.
1.201. The Committee was also informed by the MoWT that the ODPM prepared a map. However,
the map is not as detailed as required.
The MoPD’s Maps

1.202. The MoPD has maps of all built developments in Trinidad and Tobago. The MoPD indicated
that it has taken an integrated approach and has been overlaying its maps with information
on high risk, or high density challenges for flooding from the MoWT’s Drainage Division as
well as information on unregulated developments from the LSA.
MPU’s MET Flood Risk Map of Trinidad and Tobago

1.203. The MET Office performed a geospatial information technology flood risk assessment and
developed a flood risk map for Trinidad and Tobago. The flood risk assessment and resulting
risk map were based on the following:
 Causative hazard factors:  Contributing vulnerability factor:
 Rainfall intensity  Population density,
 Land slope; and  Number of households; and
 Elevation of the land  Distance from rivers.
1.204. Based on these causative and contributing factors, the level of risk of inland flooding in
Trinidad and Tobago is given a rating of moderate to very high across large portions of
Trinidad and Tobago as seen figure 1 below.
21
Corporacion Andina de Fomento
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Figure 1. Flood risk Map of Trinidad and Tobago
Flood mapping to inform the MPU’s web-based portal

1.205. The Committee was informed that another component to the MPU’s web-based portal
together with the WRA involves mapping the extent and height of a flood and to collect
information on the rainfall contributing to the flood.
Duplication of Initiatives
1.206. The MPU, the MoWT and MoPD are pursuing GIS mapping. The MPU informed the
Committee that it was unaware that the MoWT was also considering mapping.
1.207. According to the MoPD, each of the agencies under the inter-agency cooperation are
engaging in different types of data collection for its maps for different reasons.
FINDINGS
50. The government ministries and agencies responsible for flood alleviation such as the MoWT,
MPU, Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services Division (MET) and MoPD are
independently producing GIS maps to identify inter alia flood areas in Trinidad and Tobago.
51. Each of the agencies are engaging in different types of data collection for its maps for different
reasons.
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52. The MoPD is overlaying its maps with information on high risk, or high density challenges for
flooding from the Drainage Division, MoWT and with information on unregulated
developments from the LSA.
RECOMMENDATIONS
21. We recommend that the MoPD, MoWT, MoRDLG, MPU, ODPM and MET Office
collaborate for the preparation of spatial and flooding maps to prevent unnecessary
duplication and wastage of resources.
Factors that accounted to the recent floods experienced in Trinidad and Tobago
1.208. According to the MoWT the following factors are responsible for the recent floods
experienced in Trinidad and Tobago:
- Continuous heavy rainfall- due to adverse weather, Trinidad received a full month’s worth
of rain during October 18 and 19, 2018;
- The inability of natural watercourses to effectively and quickly drain the stormwater
caused by unusual rainfall and the concomitant sea level rise;
- Unauthorised private developments and the encroachment on the river reserves; and
- Backfilling/illegal diversion of watercourse and indiscriminate dumping of garbage.
1.209. The UWI attributed the floods experienced in October, 2018 to:
- Extreme rainfall over the period from October 17th to 20th, 2018 intense rainfall over a 4
hour period was equivalent to the 100-year flood and a phenomenal depth of rain was
recorded at some gauges in the upper Caroni River Basin;
- High streamflow - the catchment surfaces experienced high runoff coefficients from
saturated soils from the early rainfall over the previous two days resulting in elevated peak
flows and volumes of streamflow and several rivers exceeding in capacity and spilling
onto floodplains. The Caroni-Arena Reservoir was full and spilling and therefore could
not serve its peak attenuating function; and
- Flooding of unprotected settlements on the floodplain - settlements on the floodplain
have been spared from flooding where there was adequate flood defence system to match
the size of the event.
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1.210. The MoRDLG indicated that some of the factors that may have accounted for the recent
floods experienced in Trinidad and Tobago include but is not limited to:
- Obstructed watercourses;
- Climate change;
- Inadequate drainage infrastructures;
- Inefficient drainage maintenance;
- Deforestation;
- Unplanned Development;
- Illegal Construction;
- Slash and Burn Practices;
- Overgrown Vegetation within watercourses;
- Improper Waste Disposal; and
- Sedimentation.
1.211. The MoPD considered the relevance of the following with regard to the recent floods
experienced in Trinidad and Tobago:
- Climate change and intensified periods of rainfall;
- Insufficient capacity of drainage infrastructure;
- Blocked drainage channels through the dumping of refuse and white waste;
- Informal settlements and construction taking place outside of the formal development
control process;
- The conversion of lands reserved for conservation/agriculture to housing;
- Unauthorised clearing and excavation of hillsides for agriculture and built development
resulting in the denudation of vegetative cover;
- Legal and illegal quarrying; and
- Inadequate enforcement among all agencies with responsibility for same.
Factors that accounted to the recent floods experienced in Tobago

1.212. The DIQE informed the Committee that the recent floods in Tobago resulted from intense
above average rainfall over a protracted period of time to the passage of Karen. As a result,:
- rainfall exceeded the infiltration capacity of the soil;
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- surface runoff exceeded the existing capacity of existing drainage network;

- different types of debris, predominantly vegetative debris, as well as dislodged tree trunks
further compounded the problem by restriction of waterflow provoking incidences of
flooding;
- the heaviest period of rainfall coincided with rising tides and storm surges;
- the increased volume of water in rivers and municipal drains were unable to find easy
passage into the sea;
- some incidents of flooding were caused by bad land development construction practices
whereby sediment trapping was poor and as a result siltation of drainage systems
occurred.
1.213. Additionally, the presence of a compromised vegetative cover attributed to the intense dry
season experienced in Tobago coupled with an increase in impermeable surfaces caused by a
further increase in paved surface areas as a result of both planned and unplanned natural
development process would have accentuated runoff and overwhelm the capacity of the
drainage network in Tobago.
The Type of Flooding experienced

1.214. The Committee was informed by the MPU that Trinidad is distressed more by inland flooding
on an annual basis than Tobago while Tobago is more susceptible to landslides and coastal
flooding. However, all flood plains are vulnerable and heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding
in any part of the country. Consequently, the level of risk given to coastal flooding is less than
that of inland flooding.
The Type of Flooding experienced in Tobago

1.215. The DIQE informed the Committee that Tobago experienced coastal, fluvial (river) and
surface flooding in varying degrees of severity particularly, the city of Scarborough
experienced both coastal and fluvial flooding as well as many areas lying within 500 meters
of some coast lines.
1.216. The village of Mason Hall experienced extensive fluvial flooding, with the major watercourses
that run through the village overflowing their banks. Additionally, surface flooding was also
quite prevalent in many areas.
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The Effects of Flooding

1.217. According to the MoRDLG, flooding in urban and rural areas in Trinidad is a frequent
occurrence leading to substantial loss of property, crop damage, health problems and severe
destruction of whole communities and the travelling public. According to the UWI, generally,
lower income groups and the marginalised occupy floodplains and suffer severely when
floods occur.
Impact of Climate Change on Trinidad and Tobago

1.218. The MoWT informed the Committee that since 2017, Trinidad and Tobago has been facing
a different type of rainfall and the watercourses have been insufficient in holding the massive
amount of rainfall. For example, one month of rainfall occurred in two (2) days.
1.219. Similarly, the MoRDLG and UWI indicated that high intensity rainfall in a short period is
likely to become very frequent because of climate change and poor land use practices.
Impact of Climate Change in Tobago

1.220. The DIQE recognises that the normal pattern of rainfall are no longer constant and the
intensity of rainfall is increasing. During the passage of storm Karen, Tobago received over
a period of 20 hours of rainfall averaging 117mm. The quantity of rainfall was two-thirds of
the 30 year average of rainfall of 171mm for the month of September. The DIQE also
informed the Committee that projection of intense rainfall appear more frequent and may
continue in the future.
The action that can be taken and expected in the future to treat with the intensity of rainfall
in Tobago
1.221. The DIQE agreed that it is important to identify flood waters as a resource and not as
wastewater. The DIQE also indicated the need to save and reuse storm water in dry periods
in dams, storm water ponds and other retention basins to be a priority going forward and to
consider the recharge of groundwater.
The Need for Inter-Agency Coordination

1.222. The Committee was informed by the MoPD that the role of inter-agency coordination is
critical to address the issue of flooding.
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FINDINGS
53. There is need to treat with the issue of deforestation given that it leads to soil erosion which
increases the rate of siltation and sedimentation of waterways, thereby reducing the capacity of
rivers.
54. There is need to view flood waters as a resource and not as wastewater by saving and reusing
stormwater in dry periods in dams, stormwater ponds and other retention basins as a priority.
55. Trinidad is distressed by inland flooding while Tobago is more susceptible to landslides and
river and coastal flooding.
56. High intensity rainfall in a short period is likely to become very frequent because of climate
change and poor land use practices.
57. There is need for inter-agency coordination to address the issue of flooding.
RECOMMENDATIONS
22. We recommend that the MoWT, MoRDLG, MALF, EMA, TCPD and MoNS work
collaboratively to exercise enforcement of penalties against deforestation practices
(excessive logging, quarrying, squatting and other illegal developments).
23. We recommend that the MALF implement a rehabilitation/reforestation programme

aimed at restoring areas that have been severely affected by deforestation.
24. We recommend that the entities involved in flood alleviation collaborate in relation to
harvesting of flood waters and harnessing this water in dams, stormwater ponds and
other retention basins as a priority.
25. We recommend that all current studies and reviews on flood control and alleviation
consider the full impact of high intensity rainfall patterns due to climate change and
clearly identify measures to mitigate against factors introduced by such change.
Developments as a Contributor to Flooding
Unplanned Developments as a Contributor to Flooding

1.285. The MoPD informed the Committee that many floods occur because of illegal structures in
flood prone areas. In some instances, illegal structures are inappropriately positioned on a
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riverbed and are vulnerable to floods. The MoPD also indicated that many times it receives
data informing that development is taking place in areas that have not been recommended by
the MoPD.
1.286. The UWI submitted that depending on their location, unplanned developments can cause
flooding, or be subject to flooding. Additionally, the UWI indicated that unplanned
developments located on floodplains have been in the path of floods experienced in October
2018.
1.285. However, the UWI indicated that it is difficult to identify development’s individual
contribution to flooding as other factors may contribute to flooding within the catchment.
1.286.The UWI also indicated that planned developments may also contribute to flooding, especially
if storm water management systems are not maintained.
1.287.The MoPD informed the Committee that some approved developments are now prone to
flooding as a result of climate change.
1.288.Similarly, the MoRDLG informed the Committee that it may be difficult to isolate unplanned
development as the only factor contributing to flooding, as there are many areas of planned
development that also floods and most areas comprise a combination of both planned and
unplanned developments.
1.289.Additionally, the MoRDLG indicated that flooding may be due to a number of causative
factors, including hydrology, geology, climatology, infrastructure facilities and services, in the
absence of scientific data.
Unplanned Development as a Contributor to Flooding in Tobago

1.290.The DIQE submitted that unplanned development is not a significant determinant of flooding
in Tobago. Instead, the areas that are relatively prone to flooding are planned developments
for example, Lowlands, Bon Accord, Lower Roxborough and Lower Scarborough.
1.291. The more important factors that influence flooding in Tobago are the tides, topography (areas
are very flat and almost at sea level), changes in land use, the inadequacy of the existing
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drainage infrastructure (capacity no longer relevant) and the compromise in wetland

functionality.
The Entity Responsible for Evaluating and Approving Developments

1.223. The Committee was informed by the MoPD that applications for development approval
begin at the TCPD. Based on the TCPD response from field work and information on the
site, the TCPD will indicate conditions that require approval.
1.224. However, the TCPD does not give final approval for developments. Subsequent to receiving
conditions on approval, the application is forwarded to other relevant entities including the
respective local government authorities, fire, MoWT’s Drainage Division and WASA.
1.225. In some instances where the project is deemed high risk, the MoWT is also included to
provide drainage advice for example on a proposal for construction on a flood plain.
1.226. Applications do not return to the MoPD, TCPD.
1.227. Both the MoRDLG and the MoPD indicated that the Municipal Corporations are the final
approving authority through its local councils for building construction.
The Need for a Coordinated and Integrated Approach to Development

1.228. The MoPD agreed that there is need for a coordinated and integrated approach to
development. Accordingly, the MoPD continues to position itself to be able to be one of
those agencies to assist in the coordination and development of issues of national importance.
1.229. The MoPD also indicated that it understands that the TCPD is an important actor in the
issues of orderly and progressive development of land in Trinidad and Tobago both for urban
and rural development. Additionally, the other Divisions at the MoPD are equally important
particularly the role of the Environmental Division as an environment regulator and to
provide policy guidance on how the environment should be developed in accordance with
good national development.
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Areas Prone to Flooding as a result of Unplanned Development

1.230. The MoWT submitted that there are various areas in Trinidad and Tobago that have
unplanned or unapproved developments and squatter settlements. Some communities built
on flood plains have been affected by heavy rainfalls in recent years.
1.231. The MoWT also informed the Committee that the ODPM has developed a map which
identifies areas in Trinidad that are highly susceptible to flooding. Some of the areas prone
to flooding identified by the MoWT are:
- El Socorro;
- San Rafael;
- Sangre Grande;
- Ortoire;
- Woodland.
1.232. The UWI indicated that in almost every catchment, one can find unplanned developments in
the upper segments. These unplanned developments in upper segments cause areas located
in lower segments of the catchment to flooding.
1.233. Additionally, there are examples of unplanned developments on floodplains on almost all or
all the major river basins, Caroni River, South Oropouche, North Oropouche, Ortoire,
Caparo.
1.234. The MoRDLG informed the Committee that based on data generated from the DMUs at the
Corporations, flood prone areas have been mapped. In instances where deliberate blockages,
covering or filling of local and minor natural watercourses have been discovered, the
Corporations take action to remedy same.
1.235. The Committee was informed by the MoPD that the TCPD cannot conclusively determine
the areas that are prone to flooding as a result of unplanned development. A nationwide study
is required to determine same. However, the MoPD is not considering a nationwide study to
determine the areas prone to flooding in Trinidad and Tobago because it has access to data.
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1.236. The TCPD is guided by flood hazard maps highlighting areas that are susceptible to flooding
and the MoWT’s website which provides information on areas at risk to flooding for 2019.
1.237. The MoPD also has existing data from the ODPM regarding flood prone areas and maps
outlining the areas for land development and high development risks. The data is overlaid
with the type of planning approval that has already been distributed. The MoPD also captures
data on continuous “review of land use”, engages in field work to collect information on land
use changes given that communities change the use of an area for example from agriculture
land use to commercial use and has data to determine the high risk areas in State lands.
1.238. The MoPD also informed the Committee that the OPDM classified the following areas as
high-risk to flooding in the year 2019:
- Penal;
- Chaguaramas;
- Endeavour Village; and
- Santa Flora.
1.239. Additionally, based on historical data received from the OPDM for the period 1999-2011 the
areas susceptible to flooding were identified and classified into high, medium or low risk see
Appendix IX for details.
1.240. The TCPD is seeking to share its GIS and other data with its entities and to ensure that there
is interagency collaboration when recommendations are given for development building.
The Need for a Comprehensive Study to Determine the Areas Prone to flooding in Trinidad
and Tobago
1.241. The MoPD indicated that there is need to collate all the information from various studies on
the areas prone to flooding in Trinidad and Tobago to establish a comprehensive study. The
MoPD has been pursuing this initiative and has since contacted all other relevant agencies
and proposed meetings in early January 2020 to discuss same.
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The Need for Accurate Data on Developments to determine its Impact on Flooding
1.242. The MoPD indicated the need to begin with ensuring that there is accurate data in order to
determine the correlation between illegal structures and flooding and for enforcement action.
1.243. The MoPD also informed the Committee that it has a challenge in terms of a database that
captures enforcement action as it previously did not capture data.
1.244. To obtain the required data, the TCPD commenced mapping of complaints to determine the
exact impact of illegal structures on flood-prone areas.
1.245. The MoPD also indicated the need to use GIS for data to assist with obtaining the required
information.
FINDINGS
58. Flooding can occur in both planned and unauthorised developments due to a number of factors,
particularly, climate change.
59. Flooding in or around developments in Tobago is influenced by tides, topography, changes in

land use, the inadequacy of existing drainage infrastructure and compromise in wetland
functionality.
60. The Municipal Corporations are the final approving authority for developments and not the
TCPD.
61. There is need for a coordinated and integrated approach to treat with the issue of flooding as it
relates to developments.The MoPD has however, poised itself as the agency to assist in the
coordination and development issues.
62. The MoPD is not pursuing a nationwide study because it has access to data from other
government agencies.
RECOMMENDATIONS
26. We recommend that the MoPD assist to collate all the information from various studies
on areas prone to flooding to establish a comprehensive study for Trinidad and Tobago.
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The collated information should be developed into a register of all unplanned

developments that contribute to flooding in their respective catchment areas and
identify measures for the regularisation of these developments in order to reduce
flooding.
27. We further recommend that the MoPD in reviewing the studies ensure the accuracy and
completeness of data in order to determine the impact of developments on flooding.
Enforcement on Illegal Development
The Entities responsible for Enforcement on Developments

1.246. According to the MoPD, collaboratively, many agencies in the public sector have officers to
engage in enforcement for example, the EMA, Municipal Corporations, TCPD, Forestry
Officers and Public Health Officers. The MoRDLG informed the Committee that based on
the type of non-compliance, the MoPD and other entities can also take enforcement action
on developers who have received approval but are not building in compliance with the
approved specifications.
The MoPD’s Role Regarding Enforcement on Developments

1.247. The MoPD has a role in enforcement as provided for under section 16 of the TCPD Act,
Chapter 35:01 as it relates to permission to build and compliance with building specifications.
The TCPD’s Enforcement Unit
1.248. The MoPD’s TCPD Enforcement Unit was established in 2013 and its main function is to
exercise enforcement against developers who have been the subject of complaints. The Unit
also engages in field work to gather information and proffer recommendations for
enforcement.
1.249. Currently, the Enforcement Unit at the MoPD is providing the desired outcome as it pertains
to enforcement.
1.250. Additionally, it should be noted that an aggrieved developer under the Act has the right of
appeal where notice is given, according to section 6 of the Act.
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The MoRDLG Role with Regards to Enforcement on Developments

1.251. The MoRDLG indicated that the Municipal Corporations have a responsibility for
enforcement as it pertains to unauthorised laying out of lands into building lots for the
purpose of development that contravene and infringe on the law, in accordance with the
provisions of the law under the Public Health Ordinance, Chapter 14, No. 4 and its
amendments, the Municipal Corporations Act, Chapter 25:04 together with the Public Health
(Yellow Fever) Regulations and Malaria Abatement Act Chapter 28:50.
1.252. The process with respect to land development and laying out land into building lots requires
the potential violator to be served a notice of advice providing a reasonable timeframe,
perhaps between 7 and 14 days to respond to the notice of advice and to present himself to
the Corporation’s Inspectorate Department, to be advised of the violation and thereafter
remedy the violation.
1.253. Further, the Municipal Corporations Act, Chapter 25:04 requires that a discontinuance notice
or Stop Order be served to violators who have been served notice and have not responded
or appeared before the Corporation’s Inspectorate Department. Subsequent to serving a
discontinuance notice, the Act provides for redress by the Chief Technical Officer, MoWT
to either lift the notice or to return the notice to the Municipal Corporation.
1.254. The Committee was informed however that some people are unsure of how to proceed when
served a discontinuance notice. The MoRDLG indicated that violators have the authority to
petition the courts in order to decide the matter where a discontinuance notice has not been
lifted.
1.255. The Committee was also made cognisant that land development is in contravention of the
Public Health Ordinance and the Municipal Corporations Act.
The Role of the Commissioner of State Lands and the Land Settlement Agency in
Enforcement on Developments on State Lands
1.256. Both the MoRDLG and the MoPD generally indicated that the Commissioner of State Lands
and the Land Settlement Agency are responsible for unplanned developments on State Lands.
The Municipal Corporations therefore collaborate with these agencies to deal with unplanned
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developments and associated local drainage issues. The MoRDLG also indicated that the
MoPD and the EMA may have a role to play in the enforcement of bulldozing and filling of
land.
1.257. According to the MoPD, most times illegal structures exists on land that belong to the State
which fall under the purview of the CoSL. In such instances, the CoSL has a responsibility
to work together with the MoPD, TCPD and the local government agencies to enforce and
stop or remove such illegal structures.
1.258. However, the Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 35:01 does not empower the TCPD
to always be able to enforce as there is a practice that the State does not enforce against the
State. Under section 16 of the Act, the Minister is empowered to serve an enforcement notice
and not the TCPD. As such, in instances where the TCPD observes an illegal structure it is
forced to consult with the CoSL for assistance. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for the
MoPD, TCPD to bring the CoSL to court for an enforcement matter. Nonetheless, the
TCPD conveys its observation concerning illegal structures on state lands to the CoSL with
the anticipation that a harmonious approach would be taken to end illegal construction.
1.259. As it pertains to the LSA, the Committee was informed that the LSA is mandated to regularise
illegal developments but not in sensitive areas. In many instances, LSA regulates
developments in areas that are prone to flooding.
Enforcement on illegal structures on Private lands

1.260. The Committee was informed by the MoPD that where illegal structures are on private lands,
owners will be liable for illegal construction by a third party.
1.261. According to the information received from the MoRDLG, unplanned developments on
private lands are investigated and relevant Stop Notices and Show Cause Notices are served
to owners or occupiers of unauthorised developments when identified.
The Need for a Comprehensive and Coordinated Approach to Enforcement

1.262. The Committee was informed by the MoPD that although the TCPD has a role to play in
enforcement it is not the only agency responsible for enforcement. The MoPD emphasised
that enforcement requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach and also underscored
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the need to work with agencies to identify gaps. The MoPD also indicated that additional
legislation may be required in this regard.
1.263. Likewise, the MoWT informed the Committee that a coordinated approach is required to
treat with matters of illegal development and quarrying because the remit of the MoWT is
limited. The MoWT therefore consults closely with the TCPD and with the Municipal
Corporations given that these entities has powers of enforcement to address the issue of
illegal developments.
The Types of Enforcement Issues the TCPD Encounters

1.264. Some of the types of enforcement issues the TCPD encounters are additions to houses,
construction close to a neighbour’s boundaries, building against a wall or non-compliance
with recommendations outlined by the TCPD.
1.265. The MoPD also informed the Committee that the TCPD is collecting data to demonstrate
the types of cases it receives.
The Number of Cases Involving Enforcement before the Court

1.266. At the time of the third hearing held on December 4, 2019, the Committee was informed
that the MoPD had approximately one hundred (100) enforcement cases before the court.
The TCPD’s Lack of Power to Stop Certain Developments

1.267. The Committee was informed that the TCPD lacks the power to act in instances where a
development is on a riverbank. However, the CoSL or local government agencies are
empowered to enforce in this regard. The MoPD also informed the Committee that the
TCPD is likely to refuse an application for development on a riverbank unless very robust
engineering structures and engineering plans are submitted.
The MoPD, TCPD Lack of Authority to stop Orders

1.268. The MoPD currently lacks the authority to stop Orders.
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The Reason why the Enforcement Responsibly at the Level of the Municipal Corporations
is not happening
1.269. The Committee was informed by the MoRDLG that enforcement of developments including
unauthorised structures are tardy because Municipal Corporations Councilors may not want
to enforce upon developers because they examine things objectively and differently from a
community perspective. Furthermore, inadequate staffing capacity and capability at the
Corporations also negatively affects the inspection process.
1.270. Consequently, developers engage in developments with very little inspection.
The Action being taken to Reduce Unplanned Developments
The MoPD’s Actions to Reduce Unplanned Developments

1.271. Based on the submission received from the MoPD the following action is being taken to
reduce unplanned developments:
 Review of spatial policies;
 Enforcement of unauthorised development by all relevant agencies;
 Public education and awareness on spatial planning and the role of TCPD; and
 Automation of the Construction Permitting System to improve application processing
time.
1.272. Further, the MoPD indicated that it is going beyond writing letters and in terms of its policy
role, is assembling all the relevant agencies to explore the extent to which they lack
empowerment or resources to adequately treat with illegal developments.
1.273. The MoPD also indicated that it will hold its second discussion on December 5, 2019 with
agencies such as the Municipal Corporations, the EMA and MoWT’s Drainage Division on
how to address real scenarios regarding illegal developments.
The MoRDLG action to ensure that the increased number of Municipal Police Officers are
utilised more effectively
1.274. The Committee was informed that the additional Municipal Police Officers are being
deployed at the various Municipal Corporations. The new officers can assist in the
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surveillance of areas that may be subject to illegal developments and can work closely with
the Building Inspectorate to take a necessary prohibitive action.
1.275. The MoRDLG provides an oversight role to the Municipal Police Service. The head of the
Municipal Police Service is the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) who is based at the
MoRDLG.
1.276. The MoRDLG indicated the need to be mindful that Municipal Corporations are
independent and are responsible for making decisions. The MoRDLG’s ACP is aware of the
assistance that the additional police force can provide in addressing the concerns raised as it
pertains to enforcement on developments.
The interventions taken by the MoRDLG to empower and equip the ACP with information
from the MoPD on denied building applications
1.277. The MoRDLG has not engaged in conversations concerning information on denied building
applications. However, the MoRDLG indicated that it can consider and collaborate with the
various agencies responsible for same.
The MoRDLG Role in Driving Cultural Behaviours in Communities

1.278. The MoRDLG indicated that it has an important role in driving cultural behaviours in
communities.
1.279. The MoRDLG indicated the need to understand the structure and how decisions are made
at the level of the Municipal Corporations given the Corporation’s authority and
responsibility with respect to enforcement.
The Action Being Taken to Reduce Unplanned Developments in Tobago

1.280. According to the DIQE where unplanned developments exists, the TCPD, in collaboration
with DIQE and DHWFD, attempt to make interventions to alleviate the impact of flooding.
These interventions include planning enforcement (removals and demolitions) but moreover
improving/establishing drainage infrastructure in these areas on the basis of social
considerations.
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FINDINGS
63. The MoPD is not the only agency responsible for enforcement but continues to engage in
discussions with relevant enforcement agencies.
64. The CoSL works together with the MoPD, TCPD and local government agencies to enforce
standards against illegal structures.
65. The LSA has a role to play with regards to enforcing standards on illegal developments but not
in areas susceptible to flooding.
66. Enforcement requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach by all stakeholders involved.
67. Legislation may be required to address gaps to improve inter-coordination between agencies.
68. Enforcement is a time-consuming process and is tardy at the level of the Municipal
Corporations because of inadequate staffing capacity and capability and Councillor’s
community perspective.
69. Developers engage in developments with little inspection by the Municipal Corporations.
RECOMMENDATIONS
28. We recommend that the MoRDLG, MoPD, LSA and CoSL meet to discuss and agree
on a procedure for enforcing against illegal developments on State Lands.
29. We recommend that the MoRDLG, MoPD, LSA and CoSL establish a shared database
that serves as a common register of illegal developments and a record of the actions
taken/being taken by the respective agencies to address the issues involved.
30. We recommend a discussion amongst the MoRDLG, MoPD, LSA and CoSL on the
identification and elimination of gaps in inter-agency coordination.
31. We recommend that the MoRDLG collaborate with the MoPD to empower and equip
its ACP with information regarding denied building applications for follow-up and
action accordingly.
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The Studies to determine the Cost of Flooding to the Country
1.281. The UWI is unaware of studies to determine the cost of flooding to the country. However,
the UWI is aware of the various consultancies that have been established over the years. The
UWI also indicated that:
- studies generally entail structural measures which appear too expensive;
- the benefit to cost ratio of the structural measures are small;
- there is uncertainty about whether the structural measures from the consultancies
have considered the full cost of flooding;
- the results of the studies are always the same, they lack sufficient information to
accurately determine whether measures are economically feasible;
- in most instances, foreign consultancies are used to conduct studies; and
- the consultants expect that the necessary information would be available to them to
properly do their job. Therefore, it is critical to decide on obtaining the required
information to properly determine the cost of flooding.
1.282. The UWI indicated that it is uncertain about the effectiveness of recommendations from
studies given the lack of information.
1.283. The UWI also informed the Committee that a number of factors have not been considered
as it pertains to the cost of flooding for example, the psychological trauma.
1.284. However, there are techniques that can be applied to include these factors and create a better
assessment.
FINDINGS
70. Studies are needed to determine the cost of flooding, however, the lack of information creates
uncertainty as to the effectiveness of the recommendations of studies since proper cost-benefit
analysis cannot be done.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
32. We recommend that the MoWT, MoPD, MPU and MoRDLG collaborate on a study to
determine the cost of flooding. We further recommend that the UWI be approached to
spearhead the study.
Stakeholder Collaborations on the issue of Flooding
Relationship between the UWI’s DCEE and the MoWT

1.285. The UWI described its relationship with the MoWT as informal. The Committee was
informed that engineers from the MoWT’s Drainage Division approaches the Department
occasionally, for expert advice on particular issues. The DCEE has also sat on Steering
Committees for recent river basin studies. Attempts had been made to establish MoUs in the
past, however, the process was stalled.
1.286. The UWI indicated that the DCEE is open to providing the necessary support with regard
to flood risk management.
The UWIs interaction with the MPU, MoPD, the MoRDLG and the Division, THA
1.287. The UWI indicated that it has good relations with many of the stakeholders involved in flood
alleviation and control. For instance, the UWI:
- worked with the WRA on the Community Flood Early Warning System application and
is also assisting with providing supplemental information on the system;
- commenced discussions with the WRA to determine predictive information on the extent
to which flood waters spreads on floodplains by using models to obtain rainfall
information;
- met with the WRA and outlined its research agenda and the number of students available
and the support the UWI requires with respect to data. The WRA has been providing the
UWI with the data and the students have been continuing with their work;
- recently attended a training session with the MoWT’s Drainage Division; and
- continues to meet with the MoWT’s Drainage Division and suggest research topics.
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The MPUs Collaborations with other Entities

1.288. The MPU meets on an “as needed” basis with the MET Office, ODPM, TEMA and the
Regional/Municipal DMUs. There is also collaboration between WRA and the MoRDLG.
However there is no institutionalised arrangement for this coordination.
The MPUs MoU with agencies falling under its purview

1.289. The MPU submitted that collaboration between the MET Office and the WRA of the WASA
has been formalised by way of a MoU between both agencies.
The DIQE’s collaborations with entities

1.290. Given increased rainfall, the DIQE recognised that it cannot be insular in its approach. The
DIQE also recognises the importance of collaboration with multiple stakeholders through all
sectors of society such as civil society and the business sector to deal with challenges it faces.
1.291. The DIQE underscored that it is open to collaboration.
1.292. The Committee was also informed that the MoWT and the MoPD have collaborated well
with the DIQE, THA in the past. The DIQE also collaborates with the WASA with respect
to potable and sewer main maintenance as well as dam and reservoir desilting.
The MoPD’s Relationship with the MoWT

1.293. The MoPD works with a number of stakeholders in an effort to provide mitigation measures
for example, the MoPD seeks advice from the MoWT, Drainage Division when approving
applications and updating and revising various land use policies throughout the country. The
MoWT’s Drainage Division also approves the design of the drainage infrastructure on site
and the upgrade to the outfall to cater for the additional runoff expected to result from built
development.
Stakeholder engagement to deal with flooding

1.294. The MoPD is proposing to discuss with stakeholders an integrated approach to dealing with
flooding, inclusive of all other aspects that may contribute to flooding such as deforestation
and informal or squatter settlements.
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1.295. Additionally in the past, the MoPD was part of a Ministerial Committee to address issues of
flooding and drainage which comprised representatives from a number of Ministries and
agencies.
The MoWT and the TCPD collaborations to alleviate flooding

1.296. The MoWT works closely with the TCPD to alleviate flooding. The MoWT meets with the
TCPD on a monthly basis to discuss all the development plans that comes to them for
approval. The MoWT also shares its studies with TCPD. The TCPD has used the MoWT
studies in determining the granting of approvals for land development.
1.297. The TCPD ensures that the MoWT’s Drainage Division must be consulted before they grant
any approvals.
The collaborations between MoWT and the Municipal Corporations

1.298. The Municipal Corporations communicates frequently with the MoWT requesting their
intervention to deepen, widen and desilt the major watercourses in their Regions which
impact heavily on the minor watercourses under their remit.
The MoWT Collaborations with other stakeholders

1.299. The MoWT informed the Committee that flooding is a holistic problem and as a result the
Ministry collaborates with both stakeholders and communities throughout Trinidad to clear
watercourses and find a viable solution to flooding.
The need for closer collaborations amongst entities responsible for flood alleviation and
control of major river basins
1.300. The MPU and the MoPD both acknowledged the need for closer collaborations amongst
entities responsible for flood alleviation and the control of major river basins.
FINDINGS
71. There is an informal relationship between the MoWT and the UWI, however, UWI, DCCE
remains committed to providing assistance to the Ministry.
72. There is no institutional arrangement for the coordination between the MET Office, ODPM,
TEMA, the DIQE or Regional/ Municipal Disaster Management Units.
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73. The MPU has formalised collaborations by way of MoU with the MET Office and the Water
Resource Agency.
74. The MoWT works closely with the TCPD and the Municipal Corporations to alleviate flooding.
RECOMMENDATIONS
33. We recommend the strengthening of the relationship between the UWI and the MoWT
by way of a MoU.
34. We also recommend the establishment of an institutional arrangement for the

coordination between the MET Office, DIQE, ODPM, TEMA and the Regional/
Municipal Disaster Management Units by way of a MoU.
35. We concur with and recommend that the MoPD spearhead discussions with the
stakeholder entities on an integrated approach to deal with flooding and report to the
Parliament within six (6) months on the agreed integrated approach to be taken.
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2. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POLICIES AND

INITIATIVES FOR FLOOD ALLEVIATION AND
CONTROL
The Effectiveness of Legislation and Policies
The Need for Legislation to adequately treat with Stormwater Management Services
2.1. The UWI submitted that there is a definite deficiency in the legislation regarding the provision
of stormwater management services. According to the UWI, the Water and Sewerage Act,
Chapter 54:40 which provides the mandate for the MoWT’s Drainage Division and focuses
on the capture of water for potable use, the Municipal Corporation Act, Chapter 25:04 (Act
21 of 1990) and the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05 may have sections
related to the control of runoff. However, none of the three Acts comprehensively addresses
all that may be required to manage flooding. According to the UWI, it is predicted that with
climate change, flooding will become more frequent and therefore it may be beneficial to the
country to have a strategy in place to deal with these events.
2.2. The UWI proposed that the purpose of legislation should be based on principles of integrated
water resources management, which as defined, promotes the co-ordinated development and
management of water, land and related resources to maximise the resultant economic and
social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital
ecosystems. Further, the UWI proffered that the legislation should:
- clearly define the lines of authority from the community level to deal with localised
flooding caused by surface runoff to the regional level to deal with riverine flooding;
- identify the main agencies involved in flood management and define their roles and
responsibilities for flood risk reduction, mitigation and recovery including agencies
responsible for data collection and dissemination;
- seek to develop land zoning plans to ensure that no additional structures are built on the
floodplains;
- provide clear guidelines for infrastructure design and construction within housing
developments and along highways;
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- seek to maximise the amount of storage within properties and to control the extent to
which yards are covered with impervious surfaces; and
- have effective penalties for infringements.
The Need to Update the Integrated Water Resources Management Policy

2.3. The MoRDLG also informed the Committee that an Integrated Water Resources
Management Policy was drafted in 2017 by the Water Resources Agency which incorporates
storm water management and control. However, the plan needs to be updated and finalised
with current data on existing legislation, policies, infrastructure, existing and proposed growth
in urbanisation and development including existing and planned development, which must
include drainage expansion and regular maintenance of both minor and major watercourses,
as well as the dredging of the river mouths where they enter the ocean.
2.4. According to the MPU, while the draft National IWRM Policy, 2018 refers to coastal zone
management this is limited since the Policy recognises that in small islands such as Trinidad
and Tobago, coastal areas must be sustainably managed as part of sustainable, integrated and
adaptive water resources management.
The Effectiveness of Policies and Initiatives Directed Towards the Protection of Coastal
Areas
2.5. According to the MoPD, mitigation measures embedded within the TCPD’s land use policies
can be effective if properly enforced. The MoPD attributed the apparent ineffectiveness of
land use policies to poor construction practices as a result of failure to comply with
established regulations. The MoPD therefore indicated the need to review the policies.
Nonetheless the MoPD, informed the Committee that a continuous exercise to review
policies is currently being undertaken within various divisions of the MoPD.
2.6. Additionally, the MoPD indicated that the implementation of the ICZM policy framework
will require regional plans to be developed collaboratively with key stakeholders.
2.7. According to the MoPD, effectiveness in coastal protection for Trinidad and Tobago is also
demonstrated in the following:
 The Coastal Protection Unit, MoWT; and
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 The NCZM Plan which will establish designations and restrictions on use for various
coastal areas.
2.8. Based on the submission received from the DIQE, interventions to address coastal/riverine
erosion and inundation of coastal areas by storm surges in Tobago appear to have been
successful in the short term. However, additional time is needed to observe how these
interventions perform.
The need to update the National Flood Contingency Plan

2.9. The information received from the MoRDLG indicated that the ODPM developed a draft
National Flood Contingency Plan (2003) which needs to be updated. Each Corporation
however has an emergency operations plan, which includes standard operating procedures
related to the management of flooding events. The MoRDLG is also guided by the policies
of the Drainage Division, MoWT.
The Need for a Plan for Storm water Management and Drainage Control of all Major River
Basins
2.10. The UWI suggested that each major river basin should have a plan to manage storm water
that should be founded on the principles of integrated water resources management to
maximise the use of the resource.
Examination of the entire River Basin Systems and the Design Solutions to Control Flood
Storm water flows and flooding in Trinidad
2.11. The MoWT informed the Committee that studies have been done on most river basins. The
studies have identified the major problems and provided storm water management plans.
However, revisions of these plans might be required in terms of updating them to current
situations and to include data on rainfall.
2.12. The studies outlined in Table 1 were completed under the Comprehensive National Drainage
Development Study. The respective year of commencement and the consultants were also
provided by the MoWT.
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Table 1
The Studies completed under the Comprehensive National Drainage Development
Study
Study Year of Consultant Remarks
Commencement
North Oropouche River 2008 IBI Group N/A
Basin
Caroni River Basin 2011 Royal Haskoning/Haskoning N/A
Caribbean
Feasibility Studies and 2009 Lee Young and Partners N/A
Detailed Design for Ortoire
River Basin Drainage Study
Feasibility Studies and 2015 Royal Hakoning This study was not
Detailed Design DHV/Haskoning Caribbean completed. Reports up to the
Consultancy Services for Formulation of Alternatives
South Oropouche Basin and Analysis Report are in
Study the Drainage Division’s
possession.
The Caparo River Basin 2012 Royal Haskoning The Caparo River Basin
Study DHV/Haskoning Caribbean Study originally undertaken
in 1997 was revisited in
another programme in 2014
taking into consideration the
Ravine Sable Sand Pit as an
alternative.
Status of Recommendations from MoWT’s Studies

2.13. The Committee was informed that the Technical Assistance Plan will assist the MoWT with
assessing studies given that the CAF was also approached to assist the MoWT with assessing
identifying and filling the gaps in the studies undertaken thus far by the MoWT’s Drainage
Division and to advise on a practical way forward. The CAF included a consultant from the
Netherlands who considered Trinidad and Tobago’s unique land and watercourse. The
studies were shared with the CAF, the MoPD and MoF and will provide solutions to the
issues identified at the stakeholder engagements held in March 2019.
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2.14. The MoWT assured the Committee that studies are not being shelved. The recommendations
from the studies are being considered by the MoWT and some are being implemented based
on the MoWT’s financial viability.
2.15. However, the MoWT indicated that it cannot implement all the recommendations from
studies as some studies recommend the removal of whole communities.
2.16. A summary of the recommendations which emanated from each complete study is at
Appendix X.
2.17. The UWI informed the Committee that most, if not all, of the major rivers basins have been
studied and solutions have been proposed. Strategies involving both structural and non-
structural measures have been devised from the studies. However, the plans have generally
not been implemented because of the high economic costs involved for example for capital
works or for non-structural measures that have high social costs, such as relocation of
settlements.
The Relevance of the MoWT’s Studies

2.18. The MoWT informed the Committee that some of its studies may seem outdated. However,
the solution and relevance of some studies still hold significance. As such, the projects
emanating from the studies are not risky. However, the MoWT submitted that some reviews
and updates are necessary considering:
 the effects of climate change, such as increased rainfall intensities and duration; and
 the increase in commercial and residential developments.
2.19. Information received by the MoPD indicated that according to the MoWT’s Drainage
Division, most of the studies have been conducted over the last nine (9) years and are still
relevant.
The need for timely assessments and review of studies

2.20. The MoPD informed the Committee that both the TCPD and the Drainage Division, MoWT
agreed that timely assessments and reviews are required utilising updated rainfall and land use
data to ensure that the most up-to date and relevant measures are being taken for flood
alleviation in Trinidad and Tobago given the imminent threat of climate change.
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Areas where Studies have not been undertaken

2.21. The Committee was also informed by the MoWT that there are areas where studies have not
been undertaken such as:
- North West Peninsula;
- Central West Catchment; and
- Urban Drainage Studies in catchment identified as critical such as town centres in the
South Oropouche River Basin and in the city of Port of Spain.
The Role of the MoRDLG in Studies

2.22. The Committee was informed that studies are not viewed as a core function of the MoRDLG.
Notwithstanding, the MoRDLG is committed to partnering with stakeholders support such
initiatives and to implement recommendations arising from these studies in an effort to
minimise the negative impact, discomfort and inconvenience to residents.
FINDINGS
75. Current legislation governing flooding in Trinidad and Tobago does not harmoniously address
all that is required to manage the issue.
76. There is need to clearly identify the main agencies involved in flood management and define
their roles including the agencies responsible for data collection and dissemination.
77. There is need to update and finalise the National Flood Contingency Plan (2003) prepared by
the ODPM and the IWRM, 2018 plan with current data on existing legislation and policies.
78. Mitigation measures embedded within the TCPD’s land use policies can be effective if properly
enforced.
RECOMMENDATIONS
37. We recommend that the legislation proposed in Recommendation 2 be founded on the

principles of IWRM.
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39. We recommend that the MoWT undertake studies in the areas identified at 1.47 above
and other catchments areas necessary to provide the comprehensive National Drainage
Plan.
40. We recommend that reviews of existing studies and new studies be undertaken on the
principles of IWRM.
41. We recommend that the MoWT submit to the Committee updated information on
studies and recommendations when completed by the CAF.
42. We recommend that the ODPM update the National Flood Contingency Plan (2003).
Stormwater Management
The Importance of Stormwater Management and Drainage Control in Alleviating Flooding

2.23. The DIQE informed the Committee that stormwater management and drainage control can
play an important role in alleviating flooding particularly in the context of
replacement/development of appropriately designed and sized drainage infrastructure in
residential, commercial and other spaces as well as the application of softer interventions
which promote percolation and reduce runoff.
Opportunities for Stormwater Management

2.24. The Ministry of Public Utilities submitted that it recognises the paradox of the seasonal
availability of water and therefore during extreme rainfall events, there is an opportunity to
harness flood waters for water supply.
2.25. The MPU, through WASA is therefore exploring the possibility of establishing dual-purpose
reservoirs that can act as flood retention basins and water supply reservoirs throughout
catchments zones in Central, North and South Trinidad. One such facility is the Ravine Sable
Sand Pit (RSSP). The Drainage Division, MoWT through NIDCO has completed the detailed
design and feasibility of converting the RSSP to both a flood mitigation and water supply
reservoir. However, these investments are very costly and implementation of these projects
will depend on the availability of funding.
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The Drainage Committee of the Joint Consultative Council

2.26. The Committee was informed that the Drainage Committee of the Joint Consultative Council
(DC-JCC) first met on September 17, 2010. The Committee comprised a total of seven (7)
members, one (1) from academia, two (2) from the government and four (4) from the private
sector. The Committee was chaired by Eng. Vincent Cooper.
2.27. According to the submission received from the DCEE, UWI, the possible motive driving the
establishment of the DC-JCC was the apparent lack of capacity (infrastructure and
institutional) to deal with storm runoff evident by severe flooding in the early part of the 2010
wet season, which started with island-wide flooding on May 25th, 2010.
2.28. The DC-JCC noted that the existing drainage problem was multi-dimensional involving:
(i) legislation and enforcement;

(ii) an updated land use policy for effective land use management;
(iii) institutional strengthening and linkaging;
(iv) technical capacity building;
(v) database development and access;
(vi) public education; and
(vii) the provision of required information via research.
2.29. The DC-JCC acknowledged that significant improvements required addressing all of these
issue. However, the following various important components required the DC-JCC’s
immediate attention:
(i) The formulation of a stormwater management manual so that drainage development
is done within a well-established framework;
(ii) The establishment of a Water Resources Authority for the overall management of the
water resources;
(iii) The examination of the technical staffing capacity of the Regional Corporations, in
view of their important role in construction, monitoring of new development
projects, drainage infrastructure approval and maintenance of the drainage within
their jurisdictions;
(iv) An examination of the impact the proposed reform of Local Government will have
on addressing drainage issues;
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(v) Development of a programme for public education.
2.30. Additionally, the DC-JCC commenced an examination of the Port of Spain proposals and
took into consideration that the MoWT’s Drainage Division did not have a code to give
potential developers for their infrastructural work. As such, the focus of the DC-JCC was
directed towards the establishment of a drainage code or a storm water management policy
or code so that developers could have a basis upon which they could work with including
return periods.
2.31. However, the work of the DC-JCC did not progress very far. For various reasons, the DC-
JCC was disbanded after approximately two (2) months without moving to address any of
the items listed.
2.32. Shortly thereafter, the government established an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to

improve attempts at reducing the frequency and magnitude of flooding through:
(i) Promotion of collaboration among institution for capacity building;
(ii) Tapping into research institutions for creating the necessary knowledge; and
(iii) Acting as the coordinating entity for executing various projects and programmes.
2.33. The IMC was chaired by the Deputy Permanent Secretary, MoWT and supported by a
technical support team comprising professionals from various governmental agencies.
2.34. The DCEE, UWI also indicated that previous work on developing a drainage code for
Trinidad and Tobago was done by the Board of Engineering of Trinidad and Tobago. The
work was at an advance stage and a draft drainage code had been produced. However, the
work remains incomplete.
The Impact a Drainage Code or Storm Water Management Policy or Code will have on Flood
Management and Control in Trinidad and Tobago
2.35. The UWI informed the Committee that a drainage code or storm water management policy
r code provides a sort of coherence within the industry, with respect to solutions that are
adopted, as well as the techniques used for determining the specifications with respect to size
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of various drains, culverts and bridges. Further, the UWI indicated that having a drainage
code or storm water management policy or code will streamline the approval for construction
process since the MoWT’s Drainage Division would have a specific approach that has to be
followed. It was also indicated that having a code will allow for easier detection of errors or
weaknesses in the actual presentation within the design.
2.36. The return period will be part of the drainage code for developments.
2.37. However, the UWI indicated that various techniques and procedures are being used that
sometimes may not be compatible with certain countries.
The Uncertainty about appropriate flood protection level for designing storm water
management infrastructure
2.38. The UWI highlighted the uncertainty about appropriate flood protection level for designing
storm water management infrastructure as a result of the lack of or poor data on flooding to
determine the flood protection level and storm water management infrastructure.
2.39. The Committee questioned whether flood alleviation works may be grossly overestimated
and pushed aside by agencies because of poor and uncertain data. The UWI informed the
Committee that given the lack of data it may not be difficult to get the cost of capital works
for flood alleviation wrong and that appropriate sizing and design may be a problem. The
UWI suggested that the need to identify the savings that will accrue from the proposed
infrastructure.
FINDINGS
79. There exists a lack of data or inadequate data needed to enable properly designed and sized
drainage infrastructure in residential, commercial and other spaces.
80. MoWT’s Drainage Division does not have a Drainage Manual or Drainage Code to guide
developers for proposed drainage infrastructure and stormwater management works. The UWI
has indicated that a Draft Drainage Code done by the Board of Engineering of Trinidad &
Tobago had reached an advanced stage but remained incomplete.
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81. Flood alleviation works may be grossly overestimated because of the lack of data or poor data.
As a result, the identified works may not be considered due to the high funding costs
RECOMMENDATIONS
43. We recommend that the MoWT’s Drainage Division request from the UWI a
comprehensive listing of the types and categories of data required to facilitate and
inform proper design of stormwater drainage infrastructure and stormwater
management works. MoWT’s Drainage Division should thereafter develop an
implementation/action plan to collate all existing data and ensure the continued
collection of relevant data as well as develop programmes for the collection of any new
categories of data as required.
44. We recommend that the MoWT engage the UWI to finalise a Drainage Code and
Manual that will guide developers in the design of drainage infrastructure works and
stormwater management policy.
Storm water Management in Tobago

2.40. The Committee was informed by the DIQE, THA that some aspects of storm water
management is being practiced in both the public and private sectors in Tobago. For instance,
the island has made extensive use of catchment pits to separate pollutants from surface runoff
before they enter into major watercourses. Detention infrastructure like ponds and swales is
also used to detain storm water. However, there is need for more to be done. There is a
growing need for more detention of surface runoff in more areas of Tobago.
2.41. In terms of maintenance, the DIQE undertakes cleaning of its catchment pits on a routine
basis as well the desilting of ponds.
2.42. Additionally, THA’s existing Reforestation Programme which is a spin-off from the National
Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme as well as the recurrent reforestation
activities of the Department of Natural Resources and Forestry, are focused on restoration
of the integrity of forested areas particularly on slopes with a view to managing storm water
runoff, which, can promote percolation to support recharge of aquifers.
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2.43. The Committee was also informed that studies are being considered regarding the suitability
and location of storm water ponds and other flood mitigation systems in areas susceptible to
flooding.
Examination of the Entire River Basin Systems and the Design Solutions to control Flood
Stormwater Flows and Flooding in Tobago
2.44. According to the information submitted by the DIQE, THA, a comprehensive study has not
been done on the entire river basin system nor the design solutions to control flood
stormwater flows and flooding in Tobago. As an alternative, drainage calculations on the
basis of previously existing drainage data, are conducted and used to size box drains
constructed by the DIQE.
2.45. The Committee was also informed that the DIQE has recently began the process of soliciting
a suitably qualified state agency to carry out in-depth studies with respect to flood alleviation
and control studies of major river basins and drainage catchments on the island.
The Status of Studies in Tobago for the suitability and locations of Storm Water Ponds and
other Flood Mitigation Systems in key flooding hotspots
2.46. Following the storm Karen and in recognising that the DIQE cannot continue with its
current capacity, the Division decided to proceed with studies. The proposed studies were
approved by the Executive Council.
2.47. The initiative seeks to engage UDECOTT to provide the project management and the
procurement systems necessary to acquire skilled consultancy services required for the
studies.
2.48. Predominantly, the Division had systems that worked. However, given the recent intensity
and volumes of rainfall, the Division recognised the need to include additional systems such
as stormwater ponds in key areas that have flooded.
2.49. The Division has observed unique situations as it pertains to flooding such as spring tides
and is uncertain whether these will reoccur. As a result, the Division indicated the need to
plan for such situations. The Division underscored the need for specialised input to ensure
that the correct design solutions. The Division is seeking to ensure that the studies are
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integrated and encompass the entire island as well as incorporates and assesses all the river
basins and watersheds.
2.50. The Division also indicated that it was engaging in a MoU with UDECOTT for the studies.
The engagement will also include an examination of the lessons learnt from Trinidad as an
alternative to new initiatives. The Division also indicated that it wants to rely on applications
being implemented in Trinidad.
The Need for Greater Interagency Collaboration for Enforcement and Education as it
pertains to Storm water Management and Drainage Control
2.51. The DIQE submitted that there are different pieces of legislation, plans and policies under
the jurisdiction of various competent authorities which in some ways impact storm water
management and drainage control. However, enforcement has been a serial challenge. The
Committee was advised that greater interagency collaboration regarding enforcement and
education may assist in improving the current situation. Further, a dedicated plan may offer
the harmonisation and the coordination for more effective interagency coordination and
action that is required to address the issue.
2.52. The DIQE acknowledged the need for Tobago to be integrated into the national plans. The
Committee was informed that although the THA has responsibilities under the Fifth
Schedule of the THA Act to establish its own plans it will be beneficial to share resources to
ensure that at all times information is shared.
FINDINGS
82. DIQE commenced the process of soliciting a suitably qualified state agency to carry out in-
depth studies.
83. The Division recognised the need to include additional systems such as stormwater ponds in
key areas that experience flooding.
84. Enforcement of stormwater management and drainage control as provided for in various pieces
of legislation, plans and policies has been a serial challenge in Tobago.
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85. Through a dedicated plan and greater interagency collaboration regarding enforcement and
education of stormwater management and control, this issue of flood alleviation can be treated
with expeditiously.
RECOMMENDATIONS
45. We recommend a comprehensive study of the entire river basin systems and respective
design solutions to control flood stormwater flows in Tobago which should identify the
suitability and locations of stormwater ponds and other flood mitigation systems in key
flooding hot spots in Tobago.
46. We recommend that the DIQE collaborate with the MoPD and Municipal Corporations
to obtain information on the measures that can be implemented and the action that can
be taken to improve enforcement and education as it pertains to stormwater
management and control.
Initiatives
The Effectiveness of Initiatives to Alleviate Flooding and Control Major River Basins and
Drainage Catchments
2.53. The MoRDLG informed the Committee that policies and initiatives have not been effective
in alleviating flooding and controlling major river basins and drainage catchments. According
to the MoPD, there has been varying degrees of success in this regard. The MoPD also
indicated that it recognises that some initiatives and policies will be required to be constantly
updated and reviewed for more effective flood alleviation and mitigation measures.
2.54. According to the MoWT, various initiatives have been undertaken and have been fairly
effective in alleviating flooding and controlling major river basins and drainage catchments
such as the Honda River Bifurcation Works, The Comprehensive Desilting Programme and
the Caroni River Improvement Works: Phase I (2003) and II (2007).
2.55. As it pertains to polices and initiatives under the MoWT’s CCPP, the Committee was
informed that the short to medium term projects which target critical areas through the use
of hard engineering solutions, (such as revetments) are effective in mitigating the direct
impacts of coastal erosion (and in some areas coastal flooding). The strategy and approach
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under the CCPP are dynamic and agile. For example, consideration of new approaches to
natural and eco-system based coastal solutions is currently being considered under the long
terms coastal management plans of the Ministry.
The Effectiveness of Initiatives in Tobago

2.56. As it pertains to Tobago, the DIQE informed the Committee that some initiatives of the
Drainage Task Force has been successful. For example, the desilting of the ponds at
Lowlands and the construction a larger culverts in the area has reduced the scale of flooding
in the area.
2.57. There has also been some success with the River Desilting Programme given the absence of
any recorded major incidents of flooding in areas where the programme has been
implemented.
Measures taken to prevent the Development and Use of Incorrect Project Designs of
Drainage Catchments and Rivers Basins
2.58. The Committee was informed by the MoWT that incorrect project designs of drainage
catchments and river basins typically arise from developments which have inadequate design
standards. The TCPD solicits the MoWT’s Drainage Division to analyse drawings and
calculations and to undertake checks on the proposed drainage solutions to determine the
suitably for the proposed site. The MoWT’s Drainage Division also reviews the hydraulic
calculations prepared by the design consultant and grants approval for the designed waterway
prior to the construction stage. The MoWT’s Drainage Division also conducts inspections
after the drainage and road infrastructure has been constructed to ensure conformity with
design parameters.
2.59. With regards to Tobago, the DIQE informed the Committee that the TCPD and the
Department of the Environment work closely together in the context of the planning
permission and CEC processes to ensure that designs meet expected professional standards.
2.60. In addition, the Land Management Department which has responsibility for the management
of State Lands in Tobago has been relatively proactive in addressing unplanned developments
on State Lands on the island particularly in riverine and coastal areas in Tobago.
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The Frequency of Updating Flood Hazard Maps

2.61. The Committee was informed by the MoPD that the updating of flood hazard maps lies with
the ODPM or MoWT. The MoPD’s most recent map was dated November, 2019. The
updating of flood hazard maps is part of the continuous process. The Committee was also
informed that the updating of flood hazard maps is also linked to other types of issues such
as climate change. For instance, some areas that previously did not have the propensity to
flood, due to high rainfall or other kinds of damage to the environment now flood. The
ODPM maps incidents as they occur and examines all the other variables in the areas that
contributed to the flooding.
The technical and resource readiness of the Municipal Corporations to make the transition
to the Construction Automation Permitting System
2.62. The MoRDLG informed the Committee that the Municipal Corporations are not ready to
make the transition to the Construction Automation Permitting System. However, the
MoRDLG is in the process of addressing the needs for the system and that an exercise to
ensure that there is readiness was being undertaken by the Corporations.
2.63. The MoRDLG also informed the Committee that readiness takes place on different fronts
for example a critical exercise in terms resources is human resources at the Municipal
Corporation to ensure that the automating of the process is fully implemented at the
Municipal Corporations.
2.64. The MoRDLG as well as the MoPD is focusing on ensuring that the HR skills required in
the process is transferred to the personnel at the respective Municipal Corporations. The
MoRDLG is also focused on attaining additional skills and positions in the Municipal
Corporations. The MoRDLG will be examining the pilot exercise at the Port of Spain City
Corporation in early 2020 to determine the efficiency of the Construction Automation
Permitting System and the requirements.
2.65. The MoRDLG and the MoPD are also deliberating on staffing arrangements in preparation
for the establishment National Physical Planning Authority and the Municipal Planning
Authority, which will be accomplished via collaborative effort of both Ministries.
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The Type of Data Available and Shared Amongst Entities

2.66. The MoPD has data on applications and can apprise on the number of applications that the
TCPD receives by regions including the number of applications that were refused. However,
the TCPD does not share information instantly with other collaborative organisation at
present because there is no shared database amongst the entities responsible for the approval
of developments. Nevertheless, the Municipal Corporations are aware of applications that
have not received approval and the respective reasons for the non-approval. A record on
applications that have been refused and the respective reasons for being refused is kept.
2.67. The MoPD is anticipating a shared database under the Construction Permitting and
Automation System to allow all the actors in the process to be able to view status of
applications including those that have been refused. Under the Construction Permitting and
Automation System, the TCPD will receive all applications. It is anticipated that this function
will be handed over to the Municipal Planning Authorities in the future.
2.68. The MoRDLG proffered that a well-designed asset management system with a
comprehensive database can provide information for the life cycle of an asset. Additionally,
well-trained personnel are needed to provide the technical and other support needed to
design, develop and manage the GIS and to provide analysis support to users.
The need to examine the role of local authorities in granting approvals and enforcement
upon full proclamation of the Planning and Facilitation of Development Act
2.69. The MoRDLG indicated the need for a real approach to be taken towards examining planning
permissions and the role of the local authorities in terms of granting approvals.
2.70. The MoRDLG further indicated its endorsement of full proclamation of the PAFD Act as
which will establish the National Planning Authority and the Municipal Planning Authority
2.71. However, there will be need to examine the way forward objectively in order to determine
whether the Council of the Municipal Corporations will continue to have a role in the whole
process and if so, whether the role will be executed by the Council as a unified body or by
the Municipal Planning Authority where the Municipal Corporations will have oversight
responsibility.
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2.72. The Committee was also advised that if the Municipal Planning Authority aligns with local
government reform which makes provision for a spatial planning and a Building Inspectorate
Unit, there will be need to determine whether the Municipal Planning Authority will function
independently and report to the National Planning Authority on issues of enforcement and
perhaps including appeals by people who are aggrieved by a decision of the Municipal
Planning Authority.
2.73. The MoRDLG also indicated that there will be need for the Municipal Planning Authority to
be adequately staffed with its own Engineer to provide advice on engineering and structural
requirements. As such, the Engineer should have a competent profile with respect to drainage
and drainage design and hydrology and hydraulics.
2.74. The MoRDLG further stated that the Municipal Planning Authority should have an in-house
public health expert.
2.75. Generally, the MoRDLG advised that there is need to examine the best way to expedite the
approval and enforcement processes with respect to unauthorised development of land.
The adequacy of resources of the Councils to grant approvals for developments

2.76. In terms of the availability of expertise of Members of Councils and the Councils, the
Committee was informed that in some instances, Members of Councils have experience and
expertise in certain matters or have advisors for certain matters. However, generally,
Members of Council, lack the competency profile to develop technical tools and make
technical decisions. In this regard, the MoRDLG indicated that there is need for
improvement in the competency profiles of Members of Councils.
2.77. The MoRDLG also indicated that the technocrats and public officers at the Municipal
Corporations are competent and have the required expertise and therefore Members of
Councils and the Councils should act and rely on the advice of the technocrats, public officers
and experts within their respective Municipal Corporations.
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2.78. However, the Committee was also informed that where an element of mistrust exists the
Members are less likely to accept recommendations submitted by technocrats. Therefore,
there is need for the Municipal Corporations to examine the issue of mistrust in technocrats.
The Implications to Councils being the Final Arbitrator in Granting Permissions

2.79. The MoRDLG advised the Committee that the decision or final arbitrator should not lie at
the level of the Council of Municipal Corporations.
2.80. According to the MoRDLG, the law requires a Council decision to be made in relation to an
unauthorised structure. Accordingly, the Building Inspector engages in inspection, develops
a report and submits the report to the Council with a recommendation that the statutory
show cause notice be served. The developer is given twenty-eight (28) days to show cause in
writing or to appear in person before the Council, in order to provide reasons why the
structure should not be removed or altered.
2.81. In some Municipal Corporations, decisions are made by the technocrats and signed off by
the CEO while the reports on decisions are submitted to the Council for its information. In
such instances, approvals are granted in a very fair and reasonable timeframe. Where
enforcement notices are required, there is need for Council decision for statutory show cause
notice for buildings.
The Need to include Members of the Public in Council Meetings or a Forum

2.82. The MoRDLG informed the Committee of some situations where the legitimacy of Council
Meetings have been questioned because of the attendance of members of the public at the
meetings. The MoRDLG indicated the need for a meeting or forum whereby members of
the public could express their views so that matters can be amicably resolved as an alternative
to enforcement being taken.
The Implications to a Water Resources Management Authority as a Coordinating Body for

Flood Alleviation
2.83. The UWI proposed a Water Resources Management Authority founded on the principles of
IWRM that is responsible for managing the watercourses and to meet the objectives of
stakeholders.
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2.84. The UWI informed the Committee that Water Resources Management is about the
integration of the issue of water and water as a resource. The UWI also indicated that flood
water is not wastewater and can be harnessed.
2.85. The UWI indicated that a Water Resource Management Authority would be able to provide
the role to ensure that excess water is harnessed and made available to WASA, the Ministry
of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.
2.86. The UWI also suggested augmenting the name of the MoWT’s Drainage Division to include
Stormwater Management.
2.87. The MPU informed the Committee that the draft National IWRM Policy, 2018 recommends
the development of an Integrated Flood Management Programme led by the MoWT’s
Drainage Division, with WASA, Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services Division,
EMA, IMA, SWMCOL and Ministry of Agriculture having an advisory role in the execution
of this Programme. The TCPD, Municipal Corporations and ODPM are also recommended
to be key collaborators in the development and execution of this Programme.
2.88. The MoWT informed the Committee that the management of natural watercourses and
tributaries falls under the purview of the MoWT’s Drainage Division while the responsibility
for the national management of water resources falls under the purview of the WASA, MPU.
As such, any consideration to merge these functions should be driven by a coordinated
Government policy. Notwithstanding, the MoWT indicated that there may be benefits in the
formation of Watercourse Management Authority to execute a drainage and water
management plan.
2.89. According to the MoRDLG, a proper assessment of the roles and functions and the
effectiveness of the various Agencies related to water resources management and drainage
has to be undertaken in order to determine the need for an independent authority.
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FINDINGS
86. The Municipal Corporations are not ready to make the transition to the Construction
Automation Permitting System, however, the MoRDLG is taking the necessary steps to ensure
readiness.
87. The MoRDLG and the MoPD are working out the needs to determine the most effective means
to staff the Municipal Corporations when the National Physical Planning Authority and the
Municipal Planning Authority are established.
88. The MoPD has data on applications and can apprise on the number of applications that the
TCPD receives by regions including the number of applications that were refused.
89. The TCPD does not share information instantly with other collaborative organisation because
of the absence of a shared database amongst entities responsible for the approval of
developments.
90. The decision or final arbitrator should not lie at the level of the Council of Municipal
Corporations.
91. The Municipal Planning Authority and the National Planning Authority will function
independently, staffed with its own experts.
92. Some Members of Council may not have the required competency profile to develop technical
tools and technical decisions whereas technocrats and public officers at the Municipal
Corporations are competent and have the required expertise.
93. In some Municipal Corporations, decisions are made by the technocrats and signed off by the
CEO while the reports on decisions are submitted to the Council for its information.
94. There is need for the establishment of a Water Resources Management Authority founded on
the principles of IWRM that is responsible for managing the watercourses and to meet the
objectives of stakeholders.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
47. We recommend the development of a database which should be shared among
collaborative agencies to allow instant sharing of information. This will increase the
efficiency and effectiveness of the approval/non-approval process of developments.
48. We recommend that the Councils to convene monthly meetings for members of the
public to express their views in an amicable setting.
49. We recommend that the TCPD be the final authority for approving developments and
not the Municipal Corporations.
50. We recommend the establishment of a Water Resources Management Authority that is

founded on the principles of IWRM.
51. We recommend that provisions for this Authority be included in the legislation proposed
at Recommendation 2.
52. We recommend that the MoWT consider expanding the name of the Drainage Division
to include stormwater management.
The Availability and Accessibility of Spatial Data
The MoPD’s National Spatial Development Infrastructure

2.90. The Committee was informed that the MoPD is working on the National Spatial
Development Infrastructure proposal where all entities involved in the approval or
recommendation of development will work as a committee to approve and share data
including protected data.
2.91. The Committee was informed that the National Spatial Development Infrastructure is being
implemented because some legislation prohibits certain entities to share data.
Spatial Data to Assist With the Issue of Flooding in Trinidad and Tobago
2.92. The MoPD, MoWT, MPU and the MoRDLG informed the Committee that there is need for
spatial data to assist with the issue of flooding in Trinidad and Tobago.
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2.93. The MoPD, MoWT and the UWI all generally indicated that relevant and adequate spatial
data is available. The MoPD indicated that spatial data exists within various government
Ministries and agencies as well as in academia.
2.94. The MoPD, MoWT and the UWI indicated respectively:

- the need for all parties to willingly share the relevant information to provide a coordinated
response.
- the need for frequent calibration and trained manpower; and
- the need to address the issue of access to spatial data.
2.95. Notwithstanding, the MoRDLG indicated that the spatial data needed to assess flood risks
and support decision-making as it relates to flood risk management and alleviation is not
readily available. The MoRDLG also informed the Committee that certain data sets such as
critical infrastructure facilities or shelter data are readily available but are inadequate to
implement national science-based mechanisms on disaster management because:
- the data is collected in an ad-hoc manner without the foresight of application to
disaster risk management;
- the data is not maintained;
- existing data lacks proper metadata; and
- there are no implemented standards and policies on spatial data collection especially
with regard to flooding data.
2.96. As a result, the MoRDLG is acquiring additional data sets from other agencies such as the
Elections and Boundaries Commission, TCPD and the UWI. The MoRDLG also informed
the Committee that additional agencies such as the HDC, ODPM, EMA, MoWT, MALF,
Institute of Marine Affairs, MET Office and Fire Services Division will be contacted by
January 2020 to aid with data collection. Additionally, The Municipal Corporations will be
contacted for additional data such as updated street names in order to put this data in a format
that can be useful.
2.97. Further, to assist the Corporations, the MoRDLG is working with the Ministry of National
Security and the Pacific Disaster Center to create a more relevant format for spatial data for
use during a disaster.
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2.98. The MoRDLG also indicated the need for:

 accurate and standardised data to assist with previously flooded areas as an indication of
vulnerable areas;
 accurate data to update flood hazard susceptibility maps and to support hydrological
flood analysis;
 a comprehensive spatial database of critical infrastructure, population information
especially for special needs persons and elderly persons; and
 the establishment of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Council, as proposed by the
MoPD to spearhead these initiatives.
2.99. The MPU informed the Committee that:

- GIS can play a key role in integrating, organising, processing and visualising spatial data
from multiple sources.
- the MET Office performed a geospatial information technology flood risk assessment
and has developed a flood risk map for Trinidad and Tobago Refer to Figure 1.
Spatial Data to assist with flooding issues in Tobago

2.100. The DIQE informed the Committee that spatial data infrastructure and network is not very
well developed in Tobago. The DIQE indicated the need for spatial data to assist with the
issue of flooding in Tobago. The DIQE also indicated that spatial data can assist with, inter
alia, storm water management planning, physical development planning and zoning and flood
response strategies.
2.101. The Committee was informed that the Department of Land Management has some data and
expertise as well as the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) as it pertains to
spatial data and that there are ongoing efforts to partner with UWI to further develop the
spatial data infrastructure and network in Tobago.
The Need for Hydrometeorological Data

2.102. The Committee was also informed by the UWI that there is also need to address the issue of
availability of hydrometeorological data given that, such data is not available on a public
platform for access by any party interested in flooding.
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FINDINGS
95. Spatial data which is available within various government Ministries, agencies and other
institutions is required to assist with the issue of flooding in Trinidad and Tobago.
96. The MoPD is working on the National Spatial Development Infrastructure where all entities
involved in the approval or recommendation of development will work as a committee to
approve and share data including protected data since some forms of data sharing is prohibited
under legislation.
97. Certain data sets are readily available but are inadequate to implement national science-based
mechanisms on disaster management.
98. Spatial data needed to assess flood risks and support decision-making as it relates to flood risk
management and alleviation is not readily available.
RECOMMENDATIONS
53. We recommend the establishment of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure Council to
establish standards and policies as it pertains to spatial data collection to ensure
accurate and standardised spatial data.
54. We recommend that the MoPD engage in stakeholder consultation to discuss the
importance of data sharing, the need for data to be accurate and standardised and for
legislation to facilitate same.
55. We recommend that the standards and polices established by the Council include:
 collating and maintaining data from Ministries, agencies and academia to establish
coordinated data;
 frequent calibration and trained manpower to collect data within timeframes that
conform with international standards;
 the collection of spatial data that informs disaster risk management including flood
risk management;
 a relevant format for spatial data in accordance with international standards;
 the use of GIS to integrate, organise, process and visualise spatial data;
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 a comprehensive spatial database; and

 the availability of hydrometeorological data on a public platform.
Required Resources for Implementation
The resources available at the UWI Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering to
treat with the issue of flooding
2.103. The Committee was informed that the DCEE, UWI has approximately four (4) to five (5)
lecturers who provide expertise in treating with floods. Additionally, some engineers on the
campus assigned to the Department of Food Production, the Geomatics Department for
spatial issues, the Economics Department and Faculty of Management Studies, oversee issues
concerning the economic cost of flooding.
The extent of the UWI’s involvement in proving expertise to public entities involved in Flood
Alleviation and Control
2.104. The Committee was informed that the UWI is very much involved with public entities on
the issue of flooding. As recent as one week before the third public hearing, held on
December 4, 2019, on the matter in question, the UWI concluded training with a public
entity. The UWI also indicated that it collaborated with the MoWT to assist with a problem
concerning the Caroni River. The Committee was also informed that the UWI would be
reporting to the MoWT soon on same.
The availability of local expertise for effective planning of measures for flood alleviation and
control measure for major river basins
2.105. The UWI submitted that there are many qualified engineers in the country who,
unfortunately, have not been given the opportunity to practice. This is partly due to the
relatively low level of importance attached to solving this problem. As a result, the specialists
find themselves busy in other areas.
2.106. The Committee was advised by the UWI that the use of foreign expertise might not change
anything. The UWI submitted that despite consultation with countless foreigners, there have
not been any real improvements in the flooding situation.
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2.107. Additionally, the UWI submitted that there seems to be a deficiency in the system for
implementing solutions after the solutions have been identified. Most times, the costs for the
solutions are outside the budget of the hiring agencies.
2.108. The Committee was also informed that the UWI rigorously trained over 1,500 civil and
environmental engineers during the past fifty years and continues to do so. As a result, the
expertise (academic staff and graduates) is available but it is perhaps underutilised.
2.109. The MoPD informed the Committee that Trinidad and Tobago has the required local
expertise throughout the various agencies that play a role in flood alleviation and control.
However, there is need for a collaborative approach and expertise from several agencies
including but not limited to the MoWT’s Drainage Division, local government, EMA and
TCPD to address annual flooding. Additionally, additional expertise can be sourced in the
region and internationally if required.
2.110. The MoPD also informed the Committee that the TCPD recently sought additional expertise
regarding the development of spatial guidelines to address flooding.
2.111. According to the MoWT, Trinidad and Tobago has the required competent local expertise
for effective planning of measures for flood alleviation and control measures for major river
basins and drainage catchments through the Universities (UWI and UTT), the Association of
Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT), the Board of Engineers,
consultants and the technical staff at the MoWT.
2.112. Notwithstanding external input from international consultants as it pertains to effective

planning to treat with flood alleviation, the MoWT submitted that once modern, efficient and
effective flood control measures, polices and approach is identified as being feasible, it may
be replicated locally.
The reason why the country remains vulnerable to climate changes despite having the flood
expertise at the UWI
2.113. According to the UWI the institution boasts an impressive record for producing competent
engineers. However, the decision relating to flood alleviation does not always lie with the
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engineers. Further, the UWI attributed the vulnerability of the country to climate change
despite having flood expertise at the UWI to the following problems:
- The absence of a solution unless there is a political solution;
- The low priority given to drainage; and
- The small percentage allocated to stormwater management over the years.
2.114. The UWI indicated that storm water management should be given priority.
The availability of local expertise in Tobago

2.115. The Committee was informed by the DIQE that Tobago will need some assistance
particularly with respect to hydrology and GIS expertise. The Division also indicated that it
has engaged reputable agencies who can assist with sourcing good technical expertise to
address issues related to flood alleviation and control measures for major catchment basins
in Tobago. Challenges may arise however, in terms of the ability to finance the engagement
of such expertise.
Recommended Short and Long Term Measures to Alleviate Flooding
Short and Medium Term Measures as Recommended by UWI

2.116. According to the UWI, the foremost objective of any measure for alleviating flooding should
be the protection of lives, followed thereafter by protection of property. The UWI proffered
the following short and long term measures to alleviate flooding:
Table 1
UWI’s Recommended Short and Medium Term Measures
Short Term Measures Long term measures

 Categorisation of the flood risk  Studies for determination of the risk
exposure across the country and the level to which infrastructure should be
subsequent identification of at-risk developed;
settlements.  Establishment of the Water Resources
 Subsequently, strategies must be Management Authority and
developed to ensure that lives will be subsequently staffing it with well-
protected in the event of a flood. These qualified professionals in flood risk
strategies should focus on provision of management;
early warnings and formulation of tried  Strengthening of training capabilities at
and tested evacuation plans. The local institutions in all areas of flood risk
necessary steps should be taken to management;
prohibit, at least in the interim,
developments within high hazard zones.
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 A public education programme should  The promulgation of regulations for

be mounted to ensure that, in the first effecting flood risk management;
instance, households know how to  The development of a robust data
respond to floods. The programme collection and dissemination system for
should also inform the public on quantifying the floods and the factors
flooding, their causes, the likelihood of that caused them;
more frequent occurrences and their  The strengthening of the capability to
role in minimising their impacts. make accurate prediction of flooding for
informing operational activities;
 Development of a comprehensive flood
risk management plan that may involve
both structural and non-structural
measures. The non-structural measures
should include the possibility of
relocation of settlements in high risk
zones;
 The development of a stormwater
management manual for guiding
developers.
2.117. The Committee was advised by the MoRDLG that as a precursor to the implementation of
any measure, it is essential that the drainage network be identified and mapped with relevant
data such as rainfall intensity, velocity discharge, soil type, topography and existing
infrastructure.
Recommended Strategies for the Protection of Coastal Areas

2.118. The UWI proposed the following strategies for the protection of coastal areas.
- Interventions should employ hybrid or nature-based solutions.
These solutions consist of a combination of hard engineering structures, such as sea walls,
with soft components such as vegetated sand dunes. The latter would ensure that the coast
maintains its aesthetic features and remains appealing to potential users. The Committee was
cautioned that interventions are only guaranteed to be effective and sustainable if their
designs are based on information gathered at the site. It is therefore a necessary requirement
for effective coastal protection that a well-designed coastal monitoring system on a national
scale be established.
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The International and Regional Standards for Flood Alleviation

2.119. The MPU submitted that the national and international standards for flood alleviation are
described in the UN 2001 document entitled “Guidelines for Reducing Flood Losses”. These
guidelines are designed for the different levels in a country and are summarised from the
document:
 Response Strategies - A balance between structural and non-structural measures to manage
floods and reduce losses is required, where the emphasis is shifting from large structural
solutions to innovative measures in flood proofing and improved building codes to non-
structural flood measures such as land use regulation, flood plain management, compensation
schemes, insurance schemes and the improved participation of local communities prone to
flood hazards.
 Community level – Community based disaster management is essential for numerous
reasons, communities are the ones who suffer the most, community-based organisations act
faster in responding to disaster before the arrival of external help and local management leads
to securing local support and ownership.
 National level - Two aspects have been identified as being necessary in flood management
at the national level:
i. the need to introduce multi-hazard management systems, including co-
ordination and response mechanisms; and
ii. the need for end-to-end disaster risk management of water-related disasters.
 Regional level - A special challenge is posed to flood management and disaster reduction
and response in shared river basins. More regional co-operation is needed. Countries are
encouraged to take full advantage of regional capacity. The exchange of relevant data and
information related to hydrological data, hydrological forecasts, weather forecasts, reservoir
operation as well as major changes in land use and water use management are important steps
to improving flood disaster reduction and response of riparian countries in shared river
basins. Consideration should also be given to regional training programmes and disaster
assistance.
2.120. The DIQE, THA indicated that international and regional standards establish the following
categories of flood control according to purpose:
- To increase the river discharge capacity;
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- To protect flood prone areas from overflow;

- To reduce and/or control the peak discharge of flood;
- To prevent inland flood;
- To prevent bank collapse and harmful degradation of riverbed; and
- To prevent obstruction against river flow and/or maintain/conserve the good
condition of the river in order to keep the flow uninterrupted.
2.121. The DIQE indicated that the categories of flood control as established according to
international and regional standards should be contained within a Flood Control Plan which
requires proper coordination with the other plans e.g. irrigation development plans, road
network/bridge plans and environmental management plans. Additionally, the Committee
was advised that it is critically important to consider the effect/influence of other
development plans in the formulation of a good flood control plan.
2.122. Further, the Committee was advised that a good Flood Control Plan includes a Master Plan
and Flood Control Project Implementation Plan.
The Master Plan

2.123. The Master Plan explains the flood control policy, strategy, target flood magnitude and main
works, etc. by river system. A wide range survey, investigation and analysis is required to
formulate the flood control master plan. Additionally, the Master Plan should include the
following:
- Project area describing among others the natural condition, topography and/or its
historical background.
- Strategy of flood control/Main objective including the appropriate improvement to
be undertaken (i.e., widening the river, excavating the river mouth, embankment, etc.).
Decisions on the structures should be based on an overall perspective of the desired flood
management for the whole river basin.
- Basin-wide rainfall-runoff model: A simulation model for the estimation of the
probable flood discharge at all the control points is necessary to be developed.
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- Diagram of design discharge: It is necessary to make a diagram at the control points

to determine the critical areas which are affected by high water stages to plan the
necessary improvements.
- Main works: What are the main works to be undertaken (i.e., dike, dredging, etc.).
- Typical cross section of the river.
- Typical structure design (i.e., embankment/revetment, etc.).
- Location map of main works.
2.124. Projects identified in the Master Plan must be based on the long-term in order to obtain
optimum benefits of the projects since the implementation of individual flood control
projects may affect other areas of the river basin.
The Flood Control Project Implementation Plan

2.125. The Flood Control Project Implementation Plan specifies the works selected from the Master
Plan to be implemented considering the funds needed in the project implementation and
benefits to be derived from the project. Implementation period of this plan is usually 5 to 10
years. Economic analysis shall be conducted to determine the scope of the Project
Implementation Plan. The Flood Control Project Implementation Plan should include the
following:
- Channel plan (1:1,000 – 1:10,000);
- Cross section (Existing/Design);
- Longitudinal profile (Existing/Design);
- Structural design drawings;
- Cost estimates;
- Benefit estimation;
- Environment/Social Impact; and
- Project Evaluation.
Level of Compliance to International and Regional Standards

2.126. The MoWT informed the Committee that Trinidad and Tobago’s policies and initiatives are
in keeping with international and/or regional standards. As well, the MoWT’s
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recommendations from studies are in accordance with international standards and practices
for flood alleviation.
2.127. The Committee was also informed that practices with regard to hydraulic and hydrological
designs for flood alleviation are essentially similar. Most countries attempt to find an optimal
balance between winning water for potable use, protection of forests, protection of
swamplands, land for agriculture, lands for housing, water for agriculture and efficient
drainage of storm water. Efficient drainage of storm water requires the design of adequately
sized channels using hydrologic and hydraulic analysis. Detentions systems are used in cases
where existing channels cannot be improved for example a check dam and where lands are
available, retention systems are used. Pumping systems are used to minimise flooding in cases
where discharge into major watercourses cannot be achieved by gravity flow. Additionally,
internationally, channel improvements are achieved through walling and paving, widening,
embankment construction and periodic desilting.
2.128. However, the Committee was informed that a thorough examination of the international and
regional policies and models for possible implementation in Trinidad and Tobago has not
been undertaken.
2.129. Recently, the MoWT sought design of models and policies for flood alleviation in Trinidad
and Tobago from the CAF, through the MoF and the United States Army Corps of Engineers
through the US Embassy.
2.130. The MoPD informed the Committee that the National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS)
2013 Policy is supported by international studies which indicate that policies for flood
alleviation should require an integrated approach to flood management which combines flood
mitigation measures and flood risk management measures.
2.131. Additionally the MoPD mentioned the following with regards to international standards for
flood alleviation:
- Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals addresses combating climate change and
its impact.
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- the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is also an

international mechanism aimed at addressing desertification of land degradation and
addresses concerns of drought and flood. Trinidad and Tobago is required to submit
reports on the state of the environment.
- The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction has a primary role to reduce disaster
risk by sharing responsibilities with other stakeholders including local government and
the private sector.
- The United Nations Framework Convention (UNFCCC) on Climate Change and the
Kyoto Protocol both address flood alleviation from a climate change and sea level rise
perspective.
2.132. Regionally, the MoPD indicated that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management
Agency (CDEMA) established in 1991 is a regional inter-governmental agency for disaster
management in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
2.133. The MoPD also indicated that it is continuously engaged in a review of its national policies
to address climate change, desertification and the demand for increased urbanisation. The
MoPD is committed to bringing gathering all relevant parties to discuss solutions to treat
with the issue of flooding.
2.134. The MoRDLG is currently not guided by international or regional standards, but by the
national standards provided by the MoWT’s Drainage Division.
The Level of Conformity of Polices and Initiatives in Tobago for Flood Alleviation and
Control to International and Regional Standards
2.135. Some policies and initiatives in Tobago are in keeping with regional and international
standards e.g. increasing river capacity by dredging and channel widening, constructing
revetments to prevent channel bank failure and preventing obstructions to river flows by
regular maintenance (dredging and clearing channels of debris).
2.136. The DIQE also informed the Committee that while it has not engaged in a comprehensive
and deliberate examination of the international and regional policies and models for possible
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implementation in Tobago to treat with the issue of flooding, it has considered specific
aspects of international standards and practices and implemented projects accordingly.
2.137. The DIQE also indicated that there was a preliminary engagement with UN agencies the IDB
and CDB as it concerns international and regional policies and models for possible
implementation in Tobago to treat with the issue of flooding. The DIQE anticipates that the
engagement with the international agencies will develop and intensify in due course.
The Level of Conformity of Polices and Initiatives for the Protection of Coastal Areas to
International Standards
2.138. The Committee was informed by the MoWT that the polices and initiatives under the CCPP
are in keeping with international and regional benchmarks and models. Three officers of the
MoWT engaged in a technical exchange session with the Barbados Coastal Zone
Management Unit. The lessons learned were incorporated into the development of the CCPP.
The design of the coastal structures are undertaken in accordance with standards and
guidelines such as the Coastal Engineering Manual, the Rock manual and BS6439 and
Eurocodes.
2.139. The MoPD informed the Committee that it championed the ICZM approach which is
internationally accepted as one of the best methods of managing issues within the coastal
zone.
2.140. The TCPD’s Spatial Planning Guideline No. 16 also speaks to climate change design
guidelines for waterfront areas/coastal development and will include guidelines for sea level
rise mitigation and other climate change issues.
FINDINGS
99. In spite of expert engineers at the UWI and elsewhere, Trinidad remains vulnerable to climate
change and by extension flooding due to the absence of viable solutions and the low priority
given to drainage and stormwater management.
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100. External input from international consultants as it pertains to effective planning to treat with
flood alleviation and control of major river basins and drainage catchments is necessary and is
being undertaken.
101. The DIQE faces challenges, in terms of the ability to finance the engagement of experts. It is
essential that the drainage network be identified and mapped with relevant data such as rainfall
intensity, velocity discharge, soil type, topography and existing infrastructure.
102. Trinidad’s policies and initiatives are in keeping with international and/or regional standards.
However, not all policies and initiatives in Tobago satisfy this standard.
103. The MoWT sought to maintain compliance standards by sourcing models and other policy
initiatives for flood alleviation in Trinidad and Tobago from the CAF, through the MoF and
the United States Army Corps of Engineers through the US Embassy.
104. The DIQE has not engaged in a comprehensive and deliberate examination of the international
and regional policies and models for possible implementation in Tobago to treat with the issue
of flooding, but has considered specific aspects of international standards and practices and
implemented projects accordingly.
RECOMMENDATIONS
56. We recommend that the Flood Control Project Implementation Plan at
Recommendation 4 should include a Master Plan and Flood Control Project.
57. We recommend that the government agencies responsible for flood alleviation use
expertise provided by the UWI as priority over foreign expertise.
58. We recommend that the hydrology and GIS expertise be sought from the UWI for
Tobago.
59. We recommend a thorough examination of the international and regional policies and
models for possible implementation in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Public Private Partnership to assist in the implementation of flood alleviation and

control measures for major river basins and drainage catchments in Trinidad and
Tobago
2.141. The MoWT indicated that it has not advanced consideration of Public Private Partnerships
(PPP) to assist in the implementation of flood alleviation and control measures for major
river basins and drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago.
2.142. The MPU agreed that consideration should be given to PPP to assist in the implementation
of flood alleviation and control measures for major river basins and drainage catchments in
Trinidad and Tobago.
2.143. The MoRDLG indicated that it solicits PPP on a voluntary basis to assist in the maintenance
of existing watercourses within the municipalities.
2.144. As it pertains to Tobago the DIQE indicated that the THA has given consideration to
developing PPP to address these infrastructural development challenges. In this regard there
has been engagement with the Contractors Association.
2.145. The river basin studies completed for Caroni and Caparo River Basin made recommendations
for a number of dual purpose reservoirs. These are capital intensive projects that the
Government may not have the funding to undertake, however, with the multi-purpose
benefit of these reservoirs to mitigate against floods, act as water supply and storage reservoirs
this may be attractive to a private investor, through a robust and transparent contract. These
dual purpose reservoirs can also have the added benefit of recreational sites.
FINDINGS
105. PPP’s may be a viable option to aid with flooding and other control measures.
RECOMMENDATIONS
60. We recommend that the MoWT examine capital intensive projects that the Government
may not be able to fund and establish PPP with interested private investors to fund
same.
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3. THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH FLOOD

ALLEVIATION AND CONTROL MEASURES
Challenges with implementing Flood Alleviation and Control Measures
3.1. Some of the major issues identified with implementing flood alleviation and control measures
by the UWI include
1. Provision of sound scientific advice to policy makers:

 There is a paucity of data for understanding the processes and utilisation of models for
prediction;
 Lack of information on the real cost of floods to adequately quantify the impact on the
economy and hence to justify expenditure for flood risk management strategies;
 Uncertainty about the appropriate flood protection level for designing stormwater
management infrastructure as a result of paucity of data and lack of information on the
real cost of floods.
3. Apathy
 A lack of concerted voices from the public on reducing flood risks. The attitude of the
public has been an acceptance that flooding will occur in their communities, they also
believe that there is not much they can do about the flooding situation, or that their
situation will never be resolved. Some people have adapted to the flooding situation for
example, in the El Socorro area, some people have boats for use during the annual flood
events.
4. Land use practices
 Activities, such as quarrying without sediment control, in several catchments contribute
to increased peak flows and reduced capacities of watercourses;
 Continued development of settlements in areas that are flood prone. Even in cases where
settlements are supplemented with embankments, they effectively reduce the capacity of
the floodplains and cause flooding in other sections;
 Frequent breaking of the embankments expose previously protected areas to floods.
5. Understaffed institutions; underfunded programmes
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 Institutions lack the required technical and support staff for flood risk management;
 Outdated or unavailable equipment and software;
 Grossly underfunded programmes for undertaking flood risk management works.
6. Absence of enforcement
 Absence of sustained enforcement for land zoning.
3.2. The UWI indicated that all the major issues with implementing flood alleviation and control
measures as listed above can be solved if apathy is removed.
Treating with the challenge of Apathy

3.3. To treat with the challenge of apathy, the UWI underscored that:
- irrefutable evidence of the true cost of flooding to the economy is required;
- only if people demand more, leaders will take action because there is not much pressure to
bring about change, there is a lack of leadership for reducing flood risk;
- public education is required to get the message across to change the culture of apathy; and
- unless land use practices and land zoning policies are addressed, flooding will continue to
occur.
The MoWT’s Challenges with implementing flood alleviation and control measures
in Trinidad
3.4. The MoWT’s challenge with implementing flood alleviation and control measures in
Trinidad:
- There exists significant planned and unplanned developments;
- Denuding of previously heavily vegetated areas caused by slash and burn;
- Unregulated quarry operations in North and North East Trinidad;
- Widespread indiscriminate dumping of garbage, household appliances and other items in
watercourses;
- Abnormal increase in rainfall over the past few years due to changes in the weather patterns;
- The need to repair irrigation systems across Trinidad;
- Inability of natural watercourses to drain effectively as a result of rising sea levels;
- Encroachment of river reserves;
- Backfilling/illegal diversion of watercourses; and
- Infrequent maintenance of natural watercourses.
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3.5. The MoWT also submitted that a challenge arises with an increase in work load and a
diminishing workforce within its Drainage Division.
The action being taken by the MoWT to address its challenges with flood alleviation and
control
3.6. To address these challenges, the MoWT has been pursuing the following initiatives:
- Annual preparation and implementation of a programme of works for desilting, cleaning and
maintenance of major rivers and tributaries;
- Annual preparation and implementation of a programme of works for walling and paving of
rivers in urbanised areas, as well as to address new complaints;
- Payments are processed in a timely manner after reviewing any release of funds;
- District Offices are informed in writing by the Chief Engineer of land developments plans
that have been approved by the MoWT’s Drainage Division. Additionally, staff at both the
Head and District Offices report on all activities of new land developments as well as
encroachments along the watercourses;
- Notices are served, subsequent to communicating with the Ministry’s Legal Services
Department, in accordance with the Waterworks and Water Conservation Act Chapter 54:41
to landowners who block, divert or interfere with a watercourse to return the watercourse to
its original state. The MoWT’s Drainage Division can undertake works to address blockages
or diversion and recover the cost from a landowner who fails to comply with the notice; and
- Staff of the MoWT’s Drainage Division report on all observances of dumped garbage and
other types of waste in watercourse and reserves while performing their duties. In some
instances, the Municipal Corporation is requested to assist in clean-up operations. However,
the MoWT’s Drainage Division would clean within the watercourse.
Challenges with implementing flood alleviation and control measures in Tobago
3.7. The DIQE informed the Committee of the following challenges with implementing flood
alleviation and control measures in Tobago:
- The lack of human resource capacity to undergo comprehensive scientific studies to properly
inform intervention strategies;
- Intervention strategies to facilitate food alleviation and control can be quite costly. As such,
Tobago’s allocation for the implementation of such projects could be challenging; and
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- The rise of roadside appliance dumping on the island which poses a challenge in particular,
in the isolated areas of some wetlands. However, the identification of this trend in its early
stages and current efforts to eliminate this practice should be successful as it is not yet prolific.
The efforts being taken to address the challenges in Tobago

3.8. THA is engaged in preliminary discussions with agencies of the UN as well as the IDB and
CDB to address issues related to capacity and financing of projects.
3.9. As well, engagement with the UWI in developing the spatial data infrastructure and network
on the island is relatively advanced. UWI conducted some training for public officers in
Tobago and facilitated the establishment of a GIS Working Group in the THA.
3.10. The THA has also given consideration to developing Public Private Partnerships to address
its infrastructural development challenges.
The MPU’s Challenges

3.11. The MPU also informed the Committee that it’s Data and Notification Portal requires
adequate data to be disseminated quickly and effectively to the responders to better mitigate
against impending flood events.
3.12. There is also a need for a more extensive flood monitoring network across the country to
feed into this Data and Notification Portal.
The action being taken by the MPU to address its challenges

3.13. To address its challenges, the WRA, WASA is implementing the following initiatives:
 Provide in-house training to staff to collect and analyse flood data;
 Partner with other government Agencies and NGOs to expand the flood monitoring
networks and establish community flood early warning systems;
 Consultancy services to develop appropriate corporate governance, institutional and
financial frameworks for water resources management; and
 Promote extensive stakeholder engagement in the management of water resources
through the Adopt a River Programme.
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The MoRDLG’s Challenges

3.13. Some challenges the MoRDLG faces with implementing flood alleviation and control
measures are:
- Inadequate funding from the relevant governing bodies;
- Inadequate human resources;
- Collecting relevant data required to design proper drainage systems;
- Squatting and rapid unplanned developments;
- Inadequate and outdated legislation, policies and standards by Regulatory bodies;
- Enforcing standards and regulations in terms of building drainage approvals and
blockage of watercourses;
- Inadequate public awareness;
- Inadequate equipment;
- Change in priorities of local government representatives; and
- Absence of National Spatial Data Infrastructure to support data collection and analyses
towards disaster management and disaster risk reduction.
The Municipal Corporations Challenge with Enforcement on Developments

3.14. The Committee was informed by the MoRDLG that in spite of enforcement notices being
served on violators, decisions are often delayed at the level of the Council. Alternatively,
the Corporations prefer to proceed with caution and seek the determination of the court
before enforcing demolition.
3.15. However, the Committee was informed that matters that go to the courts are often times
protracted.
3.16. The MoRDLG indicated the need for capacity and capability building at the Municipal
Corporations.
The Inadequacy of Building Inspectors at the Municipal Corporations

3.17. The MoRDLG informed the Committee that there exists an insufficient number of
Building Inspectors at the Municipal Corporations who are essentially responsible for
enforcement of all the aspects of land development and building plans as well as to
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effectively address the applications emanating from Construction Permitting Automation

Process.
3.18. Presently, one Building Inspector is assigned to each Municipal Corporation with
exceptions in Cities and Boroughs.
The Municipal Corporation’s Lack of Capacity to deal with GIS

3.19. The Committee was informed by the MoRDLG that the Municipal Corporations lack the
capacity to deal with GIS, GIS mapping and GIS spatial data collection, mapping and
overlays. However, the Municipal Corporations have internal data with respect to the
process of applications which can be shared if necessary amongst the Corporations.
3.20. The Local Area and Regional Planning and Development Unit has also been working
alongside the Senior Disaster Coordinator to collect information from the DMUs within
the Municipal Corporations to assist with the issue of flooding.
Measures being taken by the MoRDLG to address its challenges

3.21. According to the MoRDLG the following measures are being taken to address the
challenges with implementing flood control measures:
 Requests for additional qualified staff;
 Continues to make requests for funding;
 Provide advice to Members of Council on the areas of priority and the rationale by the
technical staff;
 Continue to hire Litter Wardens to enforce litter laws;
 Consideration of innovative ways to utilise the limited funding for maintenance of roads
and drainage;
 Educates citizens with respect to proper storage, disposal, construction and recycling
techniques to aid in alleviating the occurrence of flooding;
 Termination of unauthorised and unplanned developments;
 Lobby’s for the creation of Municipal Courts to address unplanned developments and
illegal structures;
 Introduction of the Local Government Reform initiative;
160
 Prompt application for releases made to the Budget Division; and

 Continuous mapping of flood-prone areas.
MoPD’s Challenges
3.22. The following were the challenges submitted by the MoPD with regard to implementing
adequate plans necessary to assist in flood control measures in Trinidad and Tobago:
 Enforcing of flood mitigation measures;
 A lack of the necessary resources needed to effectively enforce against unauthorised
development;
 Poor monitoring – Although the EMA has the power to co-opt other agencies if a
problem of compliance with the issued CEC occurs, because of an insufficient number
of officers, monitoring development has become problematic for both the EMA and
the TCPD;
 A lack of staff at the Municipal Corporations to monitor developments from beginning
to completion which is a requirement for issuing completion certificates;
 Legislative constraints of the existing TCPD Act given that TCPD cannot regulate land
use planning beyond the high-water mark;
 The unpredictability/variability of the weather patterns.
3.23. Additionally, the Committee was informed by the MoPD that one of the challenges that
TCPD faces, is that although applicants must submit development plans to the TCPD, not
every developer comes to the TCPD for approval.
The Inadequate Number of Enforcement Officers at the MoPD’s

3.24. The MoPD informed the Committee that it faces the same challenges with human capacity
as the Municipal Corporations as it is challenged with an insufficient number of
Enforcement Officers. The MoPD shared it was challenged with sourcing alternative
officers when the Enforcement Unit was established in 2013 because the Development
Control Officers were becoming overwhelmed with the additional responsibility.
3.25. The MoPD later hired Enforcement Officers in 2015. At present the MoPD has twelve
(12) Enforcement Officers.
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3.26. The Committee was also made cognisant that the MoPD has had over 3,000 cases to assess,
examine and to conclude whether or not they should be taken court.
3.27. The MoPD has been considering the need to ensure that training is taking place to empower
the MoPD to increase the number of Enforcement Officers. When the PAFD Act, 2014 is
proclaimed, such training will be implemented to improve the issue of enforcement.
The Lengthy Timeframe for Enforcement

3.28. The Committee was informed by the MoPD that enforcement is a time-consuming process
since research must be accurate and requires time. As a result, as much as four (4) years is
given before an issue is considered statute barred.
3.29. Notwithstanding, there has been vast improvements in the TCPD’s role in enforcement.
Measures being taken by the MoPD to address its challenges

3.30. The MoPD indicated that the new PAFD Act when fully proclaimed will introduce an
Office of Enforcement which will allow for an efficient and strengthened enforcement
mechanism. The MoPD is also hiring necessary staff and is increasing collaboration and
communication between the ministries/agencies involved in the Complex Development
Facilitation Committee.
Obstacles to achieving effective flood alleviation and control measures in Trinidad

and Tobago
3.14. The MoWT indicated that the following are obstacles to achieving effective flood control
measures in Trinidad and Tobago:
 Proper working equipment and increasing staffing as recommended in a Needs Analysis
for the MoWT’s Drainage Division; and
 Proclamation of laws to be enforced for blockage of natural watercourses, encroachment
and illegal occupation of the floodplains and river basins and river reserves.
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FINDINGS
106. People will continue to be affected by flooding if, inter alia, apathetic attitudes towards flooding,
poor land use practices and a lack of enforcement continues to prevail. Public education is
required to change the culture of apathy.
107. There are numerous hindrances identified by stakeholders in the implementation of control
measures to prevent flooding in Trinidad.
108. Activities such as illegal/unregulated quarrying, encroachment of river reserves, backfilling and
illegal diversion of watercourses which contributes to sedimentation thereby reducing the
capacity of rivers are some of the challenges faced by the MoWT despite over three hundred
(300) desilting projects pursued by the MoWT in fiscal 2018/2019.
109. The Drainage Division, MoWT continues to work to address challenges by, inter alia, obtaining
reports of indiscriminate and illegal dumping, serving of notices and pursuance of annual paving,
painting, desilting, cleaning and walling initiatives.
110. There is a need for a more extensive flood monitoring network across the country to feed into
the Data and Notification Portal.
111. Enforcement matters that go to the courts from both the MoPD and Municipal Corporations
are protracted in the court processes.
112. Ministries responsible for flood alleviation and control are understaffed and the human resource
capacity as a result has to be fortified to deal with issues that contribute to flooding.
RECOMMENDATIONS
61. We recommend that the EMA develop a short film which highlights the activities that
contribute to flooding as well as reveal the impacts of flooding in Trinidad and Tobago.
This should be aired on the local television channels and shared with students/schools.
62. We recommend that the MoWT work collaboratively with the MEEI and the MoNS to
address the following issues:
- illegal/unregulated quarrying;
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- encroachment of river reserves; and

- backfilling and illegal diversion of watercourses.
64. We recommend that the government agencies responsible for flood alleviation
collaborate with the UWI to:
a. determine the true cost of flooding to the economy; and
b. establish an extensive flood monitoring network.
65. We recommend a Needs Analysis for the MoWT’s Drainage Division to determine the
proper working equipment and required staffing.
66. We further recommend that the MoPD and MoRDLG approach the Service
Commissions Department to expedite an increase in the number of Inspectors and
Enforcement Officers at the respective Ministries.
67. We recommend that the Councils of Municipal Corporations expedite enforcement

matters upon filing of same.
164
4.1. Your Committee therefore respectfully submits this Report for the consideration of the
Houses.
Sgd. Sgd.
Mr. Deoroop Teemal Mr. Rushton Paray, MP
Chairman Member
Sgd.
Mr. Darryl Smith, MP Mrs. Glenda Jennings-Smith, MP
Member Member
Sgd. Sgd.
Dr. Lovell Francis, MP Mr. Franklin Khan, MP
Member Member
Sgd. Sgd.
Mr. Wade Mark Mr. Nigel De Freitas
Member Member
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APPENDIX I
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
DATED NOVEMBER 19, 2019
166
MINUTES OF THE FORTY-SIXTH MEETING OF THE JOINT SELECT

COMMITTEE ON LAND AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, HELD IN THE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TfTi0adBTc
A.N.R ROBINSON MEETING ROOM (EAST), LEVEL 9, OFFICE OF THE
PARLIAMENT, TOWER D, #1 A WRIGHTSON ROAD, PORT OF SPAIN
ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2019
Present were:
Mr. Deoroop Teemal - Chairman
Mr. Rushton Paray, MP - Vice Chairman
Mr. Nigel De Freitas - Member
Mrs. Angelique Massiah - Secretary

Ms. Katharina Gokool - Graduate Research Assistant
Excused were:
Mrs. Glenda Jennings-Smith, MP - Member

Dr. Lovell Francis, MP - Member
Mr. Darryl Smith, MP - Member
Mr. Franklin Khan - Member
Mr. Wade Mark - Member
Also present were:
Ministry of Works and Transport (UWI)

Ms. Dhanmattee Ramdath - Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Mr. Shastri Gunness - Director of Drainage (Ag.)
Mr. Navin Ramsingh - Chief Technical Officer (Ag.)
Mr. Kerry Sheppard - Director Coastal Protection Unit
Mr. Muhammad Baksh - Civil Engineer I
PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE MINISTRY OF WORKS AND TRANSPORT
6.1 The meeting resumed at 10:30 a.m.
6.2 The Chairman welcomed representatives of the Ministry of Works and introductions were
exchanged.
6.3 The Appendix herein contains a summary of questions and concerns raised during the
hearing.
167
Requested Information
7.1 Further to the discussions, the officials of the Ministry of Works and Transport were
requested to provide the Committee with the following:
a. The percentage of governments’ Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP)
allocated to drainage works;
b. Copy of proposal submitted to Corporacion Andina de Fomento (CAF);
c. The number of non-functioning sluice gates and pumps in need of repair; and
d. Provide the percentage allocated from the 18mn that will be used to repair gates and
pumps.
Next Meeting
8.1 The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday November 26, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. to continue
stakeholder engagement on an inquiry into flood alleviation and control measures for
major river basins and drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago.
ADJOURNMENT
3
9.1 The adjournment was taken at 12:05 p.m.
I certify that these Minutes are true and correct.
Chairman
Secretary
November 25, 2019
168
Appendix I
Public Hearing Summary

Tuesday November 19, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
Key Issues Discussed:
The projects to treat with flooding in Trinidad and Tobago

i. The MoWT is engaged in a number of projects;
ii. These projects are broken down into recurrent, development and Infrastructure
Development Fund (IDF) projects;
iii. Recurrent Projects involves projects requiring large equipment,
iv. The MoWT establishes annually a bonded list of contractors for hire to clear debris from
watercourses;
v. More than 300 desilting projects were pursued in fiscal 2018/2019. Aligned to this are
also construction projects which consisted of walling and paving of watercourses where
required to minimise flooding
vi. Five (5) projects involving the upgrade of gates and pumps were awarded in fiscal
2018/2019;
Coastline Protection
vii. The MoWT engaged twenty-eight (28) contractors through the procurement agency to
build walls, pave parts of the rivers, to alleviate flooding and erosion control;
viii. The MoWT has a comprehensive coastal protection programme to repair and protect
coastlines.
ix. The north cocas bay area coastline project is in three phases, the Cocas Bay, South Cocas
and North Cocas;
x. The MoWT plans to treat with the area in the next fiscal year.
xi. Since 2017, the country has been facing a “different type of rainfall” for example in two
days there was one month of rainfall and the watercourses were insufficient to hold the
massive amount of rainfall;
169
xii. MoWT PSIP includes the major rivers cleaning programme;

 In fiscal 2019 the Caroni Rehabilitation and Improvement Works Project was awarded
a contract sum of $19.5Mn. and was 65% completed;
 Caroni Irrigation and Drainage Infrastructure Phase 2 Felicity pump house was
awarded a contract sum of $1.1mn and is 98% complete. Works included installation
of pumps and rehabilitation works on Felicity gate;
xiii. Infrastructure for flood mitigation for fiscal 2018/2019 included:
 the Diana River Improvement Works Phase 2;
 the flood reduction works at Maridelay and Guarcara River;
 Soledad River Improvement Works; and
 Irrigation and Drainage Infrastructure at Caroni Irrigation Rivers.
xiv. In 2018/2019, contracts were awarded for upgrading the existing drainage pump and gate
inventory to:
 Upgrade of Tulsa Trace Pump house and gates;
 Reconstruction of Sadhoo trace El Socorro;
 Bamboo No1 for gate structure;
 Upgrade of gate structure at St Johns, Fyzabad; and
 Upgrade of gates at Trinidad Point, Woodland.
xv. Under the national programme there is the Maraval River Basin improvement works
which separate from the works under the recurrent programme
Maps and Model that inform all flood plains in Trinidad and Tobago with a view to
educating individuals who reside on flood plains
xvi. At present there exists a map illustrated by the ODPM, however, same is not detailed.
xvii. The MoWT is developing in-house capability in terms of modelling catchments;
xviii. Engineers at the MoWT are receiving training to develop maps on flood plains;
xix. The MoWT is currently pursuing a technical assistant with CAF Bank for inter alia a map
of Trinidad and Tobago to identify flood areas;
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Details on the technical assistance plan the MoWT will be receiving from the CAF
engagement including its impact to mitigate flooding in Trinidad and Tobago, how long ago
it commenced and the expected date of completion to execute the plan
xx. Through the MoF, the CAF engagement began with the Drainage Division in March,
2019;
xxi. The formalisation of this engagement is still being organised;
xxii. Studies have been completed for the CAF;
xxiii. The MoWT is pursuing the development of a drainage plan through CAF;
xxiv. The CAF will take into consideration the studies, identify and fill the gaps of the studies;
xxv. The MoWT was unable to go into further details regarding the CAF engagement.
The extent to which the CAF studies are integrated and broad-based to engage other
disciplines other than engineering
xxvi. The technical assistance plan will consider every aspect of planning including economic
feasibility and every aspect of flooding including losses of life, property, land space;
xxvii. The MoWT has shared its studies with representatives of the CAF, the MoPD, MoF;
xxviii. Before accepting any proposal the MoWT had stakeholder engagement;
xxix. The MoWT considered retaining water in damns at stakeholder engagements;
xxx. The CAF will consider the studies and provide a solution to the issues identified at the
stakeholder engagements.
The extent to which sluice gates and pumps are important in the fight against flooding
xxxi. Gates and pumps are very important in certain areas;
xxxii. Different types of gate infrastructure is required for different purposes such as sluice gates,
flood gates, flap gates;
xxxiii. In terms of irrigation in the dry season, sluice gates are useful;
xxxiv. Under the PSIP programme the MoWT is examining the upgrade of pumps and gates.
Whether the allocation of 1.1mn is suffice for upgrade and replacement of pumps and gates
under the PSIP Programme
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xxxv. The allocation of 1.1Mn is insufficient for the upgrade and replacement of pumps and
gates;
xxxvi. The MoWT estimated for fiscal 2020 18mn to upgrade to existing drainage pump and gate
inventory;
xxxvii. Pumps and gates also control the flow of water;
xxxviii. The MoWT developed the programme because pumps and gates are critical and are
required to be implemented to assist to minimise flooding.
Whether gates and pumps required maintenance and have been maintained over the years
xxxix. Pump and gate infrastructure have existed since the 1960’s and 1970’s.
xl. Pumps and gates do require maintenance and have been maintained by the MoWT over
the years;
xli. Additionally, in 2018, the MoWT did an assessment and concluded that gates and pumps
have become obsolete and can no longer be maintained;
The impact of pump and gate infrastructure as it relates to flooding in the country
xlii. Results on the impact of pump and gate infrastructure will not be seen yet because works
are now being rolled out under the development programme. However, a reduction in
flooding is anticipated as a result of initiatives coming to fruition
Whether the MoWT shares the Committees concern of how integrated the CAF plan is
going to be
xliii. The MoWT underscored that an integrated approach is being undertaken and involves
stakeholder engagement;
xliv. The MoWT recognises that the National Drainage Plan is an integrated approach and same
was outlined in its submission to CAF.
xlv. The CAF received submissions from stakeholders such as WASA and Water Resource
Management Agency;
xlvi. Flooding is only one aspect of water management;
xlvii. The MoWT is considering recommendations from studies and some are being
implemented based on the MoWT financial viability;
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xlviii. The CAF has been approached to assist with assessing studies.
The impact of the efforts being taken by the MoWT to reduce flooding in Port of Spain
xlix. The MoWT is taking a priority approach to treating with flooding in Port of Spain;
l. The MoWT's aim is to reduce the number of street flooding for motorist and pedestrians;
li. The MoWT identified two critical areas for priority in 2019/2020 at South Quay and the
HYATT ;
lii. The scope of work involves maintenance which is cleaning of culverts;
liii. The MoWT adopted a different approach using camera technology to examine culverts;
liv. The MoWT is also involved in reconstruction;
lv. Utilities such as WASA and NGC breached the structural integrity of culverts and
contributed to the collapsing of culverts;
lvi. The MoWT cleared seven culverts in the catchment in Port of Spain to the outfall;
lvii. The MoWT also discovered that there were no gate systems and as such flood waters
could not run off as quickly when there is high tide or high intensity rainfall;
lviii. As part of the solution under the PURE programme the MoWT installed additional
culverts in front of PTSC, a small detention pond, a pump gate and flap gate. As a result,
flood waters in Port of Spain now recede after an hour
lix. Pumps have already been installed and further reduction in the duration of flooding is
anticipated when the pumps are commissioned;
lx. The MoWT has completed two (2) out of eight (8) catchments in Port of Spain in 2019
with an additional two, to be completed in 2020
Educating the public so that behaviour is changed and the stress of flooding is alleviated.
lxi. The MoWT can look at an early warning system to inform the public of when flooding
will occur and subside;
lxii. The MoWT encountered a lot of garbage in Port of Spain when undergoing cleaning
exercises;
lxiii. In addition to cleaning the MoWT installed grills to keep culverts clean;
173
lxiv. The MoWT is working with the Port of Spain City Corporation gangs to monitor grills
every morning. The MoWT agreed to encourage the regional corporations and
SWMCOL to install more disposable bins for all different type of waste;
lxv. The Basel Convention Regional Centre provides training in the Caribbean and Latin
America, on disposal of hazardous chemicals;
lxvi. The training provided by the Basel Convention Regional Centre is not publicized
enough.
lxvii. Education programmes to inform the public about the effects of littering and dumping
may be outside of the MoWT purview as another Ministry may responsible for this
initiative;
lxviii. The MoWT works closely with all the agencies that have that role to educate the public
on the impact of dumping.
lxix. The MoWT uses social media such as Facebook to inform the public about its public
littering and dumping campaigns.
The extent to which littering is caused by the lack of disposal units

lxx. The government of Trinidad and Tobago recognises the problems through all its
Ministries, of the errant behaviour of the public;
lxxi. The MoWT has been trying with its public warnings and community stakeholder’s
engagements to warn members of the public about the impact of the dumping;
lxxii. The MoWT spends millions of dollars trying to clean the watercourses to avoid a national
effect of flooding;
lxxiii. The MoWT also shares its studies/findings with the Town and Country Planning
Division;
lxxiv. The Town and Country Planning Division has used the MoWT studies in determining
the granting of approvals for land development;
The impact of the rate of tide in the run-off of flooding in Port of Spain
lxxv. The MoWT commenced an initiative where a gate and pump system has been
constructed at a culvert located in Broadway;
174
lxxvi. The MoWT stops tidal water from entering into Port of Spain by using a pump to pump
floodwaters into the sea;
lxxvii. The MoWT is seeking to in the medium term solve all seven culverts that empty into the
bay by installing some kind of flap system and a pump system;
lxxviii. The MoWT has written the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) for approval
to dam off a section of the cove so that flood waters could run into that area and can be
pumped into the sea.
lxxix. The area will also be used as a garbage collection point to remove the garbage and
prevent it from entering into the sea.
Details on the medium term erosion control programme including the anticipated
effectiveness of the programme and the status of the programme
The hard core action taken by the MoWT and timeframe to address the floods experienced
in Trinidad and Tobago
lxxx. The MoWT has to develop a policy to address flooding. ;
lxxxi. The MoWT anticipates that the policy will be submitted to Cabinet around mid-2020.
lxxxii. The MoWT meets with the Town and Country Planning on a monthly basis to discuss
all the development plans that comes to them for approval;
lxxxiii. Town and Country Planning Division ensures that the Drainage Division must be
consulted before they grant any approvals.
lxxxiv. Town and Country Planning Division and the regional corporations have enforceable
legislation to deal with the illegal developments
The action that can be taken to treat with matters of illegal development and quarrying
lxxxv. A coordinated approach is required to treat with matters of illegal development and
quarrying because the remit of the MoWT is limited;
lxxxvi. The MoWT therefore needs to consult closely with Town and Country Planning Division
and with the regional corporations.
lxxxvii. Applicants must submit development plans to the Town and Country Planning Division;
175
The MoWT plans regarding the recent flooding in areas in Gasparillo and Whiteland
lxxxviii. The MoWT is investigating flooding in the Gasparillo and Whiteland areas.
Committees Unit
November 20th 2019
176
APPENDIX II
177
MINUTES OF THE FORTY-SEVENTH MEETING OF THE JOINT SELECT

A.N.R ROBINSON MEETING ROOM (EAST), LEVEL 9, OFFICE OF THE
PARLIAMENT, TOWER D, #1 A WRIGHTSON ROAD, PORT OF SPAIN
ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2019
Present were:
Mr. Deoroop Teemal - Chairman
Mr. Rushton Paray, MP - Vice Chairman
Mr. Wade Mark - Member
Mr. Nigel De Freitas - Member
Mrs. Angelique Massiah - Secretary

Ms. Renee Batson - Assistant Secretary
Ms. Katharina Gokool - Graduate Research Assistant
Excused were:

Absent:
Also present were:

Ms. Desdra Bascombe - Permanent Secretary
Mr. Raymond Seepaul - Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Mr. Jameel Chadee Ameeral - Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Mr. Jerry David - Senior Disaster Management Coordinator
Mr. Saheed Shah - Technical Officer (Ag.)
Ministry of Public Utilities

Ms. Nicolette Duke - Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Ms. Beverly Khan - Deputy Permanent Secretary
Mr. David Manswell - General Manager, Communications, Sales,
Marketing, SWMCOL
Mr. Kenneth Kerr - Chief Climatologist (Ag.) Met Services
Mr. Keith Meade - Senior Manager, Water Resource Agency
178
Ministry of Planning and Development

Ms. Joanne Deoraj - Permanent Secretary
Ms. Marie Hinds - Director (Ag.) Town and Country Planning
Division
Ms. Camille Guichard - Assistant Director (Ag.) Town and Country
Planning
Dr. Ancil Kirk - Assistant Coordinator
Ms. Erica Campbell - Senior Land Use Planner
Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment Tobago House of

Assembly (THA)
Councillor Kwesi Des Vignes - Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and
the Environment and Leader of Assembly
Business
Mr. Ritchie Toppin - Administrator
Mr. Abdallah Chadband - Senior Technical Coordinator
Mr. Howard Dobin - Climate Change Specialist

Dr. Vincent Cooper - Expert in Water Management
PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND

LOCAL GOVERNMENT, MINISTRY OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, MINISTRY OF
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, DIVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE, QUARRIES
AND THE ENVIRONMENT, TOBAGO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY (THA) AND THE
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES (UWI)
6.2 The Chairman welcomed representatives of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local
Government, Ministry of Public Utilities, Ministry of Planning and Development,
Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment, Tobago House of Assembly
(THA) and the Faculty of Engineering University of the West Indies (UWI) and
introductions were exchanged.
hearing.
6.4. The meeting suspended at 12:18 p.m.
179
Resumption
7.1 The meeting resumed in-camera at 12:29 p.m.
7.2 The Committee agreed to meet on Wednesday December 4, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. to
continue its inquiry into flood alleviation and control measures for major river basins
and drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago with:
- Ministry of Planning and Development;
- Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government; and
- Faculty of Engineering University of the West Indies (UWI).
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman
Secretary
December 2, 2019
180
Appendix
47th Meeting of the Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure
Tuesday November 26, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
Ministry of Public Utilities (MoPU)

i. Agencies under the MoPU’s purview, particularly the Water Resource Agency, Trinidad and
Tobago Meteorological Services Division (MET) and Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste
Management Company Limited (SWMCOL) execute critical responsibilities throughout the
flood and alleviation control cycle from prevention and preparedness, response and
mitigation to rehabilitation and recovery;
ii. The WRA is charged with the management of the country’s water resources which includes
the monitoring of rainfall, surface water and ground water systems;
iii. The agency has a real-time monitoring system that includes rainfall and stream fall system;
iv. Data from the system is provided to organisations such as the MET and ODPM for
consideration in the issuance of alerts and warnings;
v. The WRA is currently implementing two programmes, the Adopt a River Programme and the
Community Flood Early Warning System;
vi. The Community Flood Early Warning System is being implemented in partnership with the
MoRDLG and the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society;
vii. The Community Flood Early Warning System is intended to reduce the vulnerability of
communities that are susceptible to flooding by providing near real-time information on rising
water levels using a web-based data and notification portal;
viii. The application is in the beta phase and when completed will provide near real time rainfall
data, river levels and reservoir information;
ix. The information from the application will be shared with the Municipal Corporations and
other key stakeholder such as the ODPM, MET, Drainage and Highways Division, MoWT
and community groups;
181
x. These agencies will be trained to analyse and interpret the data and how to respond based on
the level of alert;
xi. In 2015, the MET operationalised a National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) to shift the
actions of key stakeholders from one of response to preparedness;
xii. NCOF is an international best practice of the global framework for climate services and brings
together stakeholders such as the Drainage Division, MoWT, WRA, WASA, ODPM, TEMA
and the Disaster Management Units of the Regional Corporations;
xiii. SWMCOL continues to successfully partner with civil society and the private sector to
implement a number of public education programmes aimed at reducing the impact of
flooding by raising environmental awareness to reduce littering and eradicate waste from
communities;
xiv. SWMCOL closely monitors pre-warning flood alerts, and prepares the landfills to receive
post-flood debris if significant flooding is predicted.

xv. The MoPD is responsible for the National Development Strategy, Vision 2030;
xvi. One of the MoPD primary objective is placing the environment at the centre of social and
economic development;
xvii. Several entities within the MoPD such as the EMA effect this primary objective;
xviii. The Town and Country Planning Division (TCPD) is one of the key agencies in the MoPD
responsible for the initiative;
xix. The TCPD derives its mandate from the Town And Country Planning Act Chapter 35:01;
xx. The TCPD has the responsibility through the Minister to guide the orderly and progressive
development of land in both urban and rural areas and to preserve and improve the amenities
thereof;
xxi. The Planning and Facilitation of Development Act, 2014 when fully proclaimed will cause
the Town And Country Planning Act Chapter 35:01 to be repealed;
xxii. The MoPD and the TCPD are conscious of the potential impacts of flooding on various
communities in Trinidad and Tobago;
xxiii. The MoPD has been working with several of its development partners to implement policies
and standards to guide the development of the built infrastructure of Trinidad and Tobago;
182
xxiv. One of the key initiatives of the MoPD is the construction permit process which is an
automated-based initiative to guide the development of applicants in terms of where to
construct built infrastructure;
xxv. The project is also intended to inter alia improve efficiency and effectiveness of the TCPD
and will automate the processes for the submission of applications;
xxvi. With Local Government Reform, the activity will be shared with other authorities and effected
by the local government entities;
xxvii. The TCPD looks forward to the potential enhancement of the process development planning
control and management for the full proclamation of the Planning and Facilitation Act, 2014,
the passage of the Urban and Regional Planning Bill and the ultimate devolution of land use
planning functions to the Municipal Corporations;
xxviii. The role of inter-agency coordination is critical to address the issue of flooding.
Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MoRDLG)

xxix. Flooding is everyone’s business;
xxx. The Ministry cannot view flooding as business as usual but business unusual;
xxxi. The need to devise new strategies to alleviate problems citizens are facing;
xxxii. The MoRDLG together with the fourteen (14) Municipal Corporation spent millions of dollars
to complete a number project under its Drainage and Irrigation Programme;
xxxiii. The MoRDLG has seen an increase in allocation for fiscal 2019/2020;
xxxiv. The need for a holistic Government and societal approach;
xxxv. Climate change is ensuring high intensity rainfall in a short period;
xxxvi. The need for ministries and departments to do things differently in terms of legislation,
enforcement legislation, culture change, education and awareness building and provision of
facilities such as bins.
Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment Tobago House of Assembly (THA)
xxxvii. Under a new mandate in 2017, the Department of Environment was paired for the first time
with the Department of Infrastructure to form the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the
Environment;
183
xxxviii. In recognition of the need to do things differently, a Coastal Zone Management Unit and a
Drainage Task Force to address the drainage network on the island was established under the
Division;
xxxix. The Division established and continues to work with the Tobago Infrastructure Development
Committee and the Tobago Disaster Management Committee;
xl. These initiatives were borne out of caution and the recognition of the need to provide policy
oversight and the necessary support as the impact of climate change is being dealt with;
xli. The Division looks at the reality of increased rainfall;
xlii. During the passage Storm Karen, Tobago received over a period of 20 hour, two-thirds of the
30 year average of rainfall for the month of September, 2019;
xliii. Given increased rainfall, the Division recognised that it has real challenges that are greater
than just one unit;
xliv. The Division recognises the importance of collaboration with multiple stakeholders through
all sectors of society such as civil society and the business sector to deal with challenges it
faces;
xlv. The Division implemented Green Solutions such as reforestation programmes, a deliberate
attempt to reduce carbon footprint, wetland co-management and rehabilitation; greater
policing of mining and land clearance;
xlvi. The Division recognises that it cannot be insular in its approach.
Representative from the Faculty of Engineering University of the West Indies (UWI)
xlvii. The Civil and Engineering Department’s particular role is in training professional in
hydrologic and hydrological modelling for developing predictive tools that can be used for
designing systems for flood mitigation;
xlviii. UWI is fully aware that such is but a part of the requirement needed for building flood
resilience;
xlix. Input and information from other disciplines are needed and are available at other
departments at the UWI that would be willing to contributing to solving this national problem;
l. Public education is an important component in terms of informing the public of expectations
in the near future, advising them how to prepare and informing them of their role in
minimising adverse consequences to flooding;
184
li. The need for physical and hydro meteorological data of sound quality;
lii. The need for hydro meteorological data to be made available to the public;
liii. The need to ensure that the agencies responsible for hydro meteorological data are supplied
with the necessary resources.
The status of the Integrated Flood Management Plan and the entity taking the lead role on
the Plan
liv. The issue of flood mitigation is part of the Vision 2030 Plan;
lv. The MoPD has been in discussions with a number of agencies for different components of the
plan;
lvi. The Drainage Division will deal with the physical infrastructure;
lvii. The MoPD has been working along with other entities to deal with regional issues for
example, an initiative with one of the Regional Corporations;
lviii. The MoPD is working on the environmental aspects for example, as it relates to forestry and
the management of beverage containers and plastics;
lix. There is no one agency that is responsible for plan;
lx. The MoPD continues to take the overarching responsibility in terms of coordinating with all
agencies and monitoring the implementation of the plan;
lxi. The responsibility is also handled at the level of the policy agenda and in terms of budgeting
under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP);
lxii. The MoPD has sight of all programmes and initiatives and determines whether the objectives
of the flood alleviation agenda are being achieved.
Whether there is a Specific Unit or Project Team to implement the Integrated Flood
Management Plan
lxiii. There is no specific unit or project team, implementation of the NDS is handled at the level
of the policy, Budgeting and Monitoring and Evaluation Unit;
lxiv. A specific unit or project team within the MoPD was not planned for but will be taken into
consideration.
Whether the initiatives being taken are being done in conjunction with the MoWT or
separately
185
lxv. The MoPU is collaborating with a number of stakeholders including the Drainage Division;
lxvi. The data from the stakeholders will be fed into portals to inform the public to take mitigation
measure in the event of flooding.
The accuracy of the MoPU data

lxvii. The portal was developed in-house and is in the testing phase;
lxviii. The portal was developed to make data on rainfall and streamflow available in a timely
manner to stakeholders so that the necessary action can be taken in a timely manner;
lxix. The MoPU did not find suitable portal for information and so developed an in-house portal;
lxx. The MoPU shared the site with various stakeholders such as its main partner, the MoRDLG
and their DMUs, the Drainage Division, UWI and several other stakeholders to examine the
portal to determine if it met their needs or requires changes;
lxxi. The portal is a work in progress and is expected to be finalised in the ensuing 2-3months and
will be made available to other stakeholders.
The Beta Phase

lxxii. The MoPU is testing the portal to ensure it works well, that there are no issues with it and that
information is reliable and can be used by various response entities and community members;
lxxiii. The portal is an information display system which provides information on rainfall and levels
of stream flow in various areas;
lxxiv. The MoPU is seeking to work with MoRDLG to equip each Regional Corporation with
information on rainfall and stream flow in their respective areas, in order to warn citizens of
potential flooding and take the necessary action accordingly.
Whether the MoPU’s web-based Data and Notification Portal application takes into account
the size of the flood plain
lxxv. Another component of the project together with the WRA involves, mapping the extent of
and height a flood and to collect information on the rainfall contributing to the flood;
lxxvi. The information from the mapping will be used whenever another flood occurs to compare
the information.
Possible duplication of initiatives by the MoPU and MoWT
186
lxxvii. The MoPU was unaware that the MoWT was also considering mapping;
lxxviii. The lack of co-ordination amongst agencies and authorities;
lxxix. The need for co-ordination amongst agencies and authorities to avoid unnecessary duplication
of initiatives.
The entity responsible for evaluating development to determine that conditions are met
lxxx. Applicants approach the TCPD with applications for construction building;
lxxxi. Based on the TCPD response from field work and information on the site, the TCPD will
provide conditions on the approval process;
lxxxii. TCPD does not give final approval for developments;
lxxxiii. Subsequent to receiving conditions on approval, the application goes to other entities
including the respective local government authorities;
lxxxiv. In some instances where the project is high risk, the MoWT is also included in terms of
conditions with regards to drainage and drainage advice where there is a proposal for
construction for example on a flood plain.
The entity responsible for final approval for developments

lxxxv. The responsibility for final approval for developments lies with the Regional Corporations;
lxxxvi. The application does not come back to the MoPD, TCPD.
The status of the National Hillside Development Policy

lxxxvii. The MoPD implemented a Hillside Policy years ago specifically for the Northern Range;
lxxxviii. The TCPD is currently revising the policy to include the entire country;
lxxxix. The revised policy is before the executive for consideration.
Whether consideration is being given to addressing slash and burn and deforestation
xc. The slash and burn issue does not fall under the purview of the MoPD, it is a matter for the
Forestry Division or in some cases, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land an Fisheries (MALF)
and the Commissioner of State Lands;
xci. The TCPD collaborates with its sister agencies to provide information;
xcii. Recommendations may differ depending on the area.
187
Whether the National Hillside Development Policy would be put out for stakeholder
comment
xciii. A number of stakeholder were included to craft the policy for the Northern Range and this
could be done with the nationwide policy.
The reason why the enforcement responsibly at the level of the Regional Corporations is not
happening
xciv. The MoRDLG’s request to adjust its response to make it consistent with that of the MoPD
TCPD as it concerns the entity responsible for final approvals for building construction;
xcv. Regional Corporations are the final approving authority through its local councils for building
construction;
xcvi. Upon its final approval for full planning permission, the MoPD, TCPD will indicate
conditions which include fire, drainage design from the MoWT, Drainage Division, WASA
and accordingly conveys approval;
xcvii. The Drainage Division has the responsibility to monitor drainage designs and to grant
approval for certain developments;
xcviii. Enforcement of developments including unauthorised structures are tardy because Municipal
Corporations Councillors examine things objectively from a community perspective and may
not want to enforce upon developers and inadequate staffing capacity and capability at the
Corporations to undertake full and complete inspections during the course of construction of
developments;
xcix. Developers engage in developments and inspection is limited because of inadequate staff;
c. The MoPD and the EMA may have a role to play in the enforcement of bulldozing and filling
of land which are engineering works.
Whether the MoPD, TCPD has the authority to stop Orders

ci. The MoPD currently does not have the authority to stop Orders but has a role in enforcement;
cii. The MoPD faces the same challenges with human capacity as the Regional Corporations;
ciii. The MoPD hired Enforcement Officers in 2015 as a result of Development Control Officers
becoming overwhelmed;
civ. At present, the MoPD has twelve (12) Enforcement Officers;
188
cv. Enforcement is a time consuming process;

cvi. Research must be accurate and requires time;
cvii. There has been a lot of improvement in the TCPD’s role in enforcement;
cviii. Collaboratively, many agencies have officers to engage in enforcement for example, the
EMA, Regional Corporations, TCPD, Forestry Officers and Public Health Officers;
cix. MoPD has been considering ensuring that training is taking place to empower the MoPD to
increase the number of Enforcement Officers;
cx. Such training is being considered when the Planning and Facilitation of Development Act,
2014 is proclaimed.
Apathy as a challenge with implementing flood alleviation and control measures

cxi. People do not think there is a need to change because experiences will continue;
cxii. Changing apathy will make the problem real;
cxiii. Only if people demand more, leaders will take action;
cxiv. Public Education is required to get the message across;
cxv. It is very likely that floods will be frequent;
cxvi. Apart from climate change, land use practices account to flooding;
cxvii. The need to figure out how to move forward;
cxviii. The need to address land use practices and land zoning policies.
The implications to a Water Resources Management Authority being the coordinating body
to play a major role in flooding
cxix. Water Resources Management is about the integration of the issue of water and water as a
resource;
cxx. Flood water can be used;
cxxi. The need to find a way to harness floodwater for use to WASA and the MALF;
cxxii. The need for a coordinating body to provide that role to harness available water;
cxxiii. The need to change the name of the Drainage Division to Stormwater Management.
The status of studies in Tobago for the suitability and locations of storm water ponds and
other flood mitigation systems in key flooding hotspots
189
cxxiv. The Division adopted a more aggressive and proactive approach following the passing of
storm Karen particularly in the area of Scarborough;
cxxv. The Drainage Task Force collaborates well with the WASA, Division of Food Production,
Forestry and Fisheries and the Division of Health to ensure that the drainage infrastructure is
up to standard;
cxxvi. The Division decided to go ahead with studies and these were approved last week;
cxxvii. The initiative seeks to engage UDECOTT to provide the project management and
procurement systems necessary to acquire skilled consultancy services required for the
studies;
cxxviii. With recent volumes of water, the Division recognised the need for stormwater ponds in key
areas that have flooded;
cxxix. The Division observed unique situations and has to plan for them for example spring tides;
cxxx. The need for specialised input to ensure that the correct design solutions;
cxxxi. Studies have to be integrated and encompass the entire island and include all the river basins
and watersheds;
cxxxii. The Division is at the stage of engaging in a MoU with UDECOTT;
cxxxiii. The Division will also want to piggyback on applications being implemented in Trinidad.
The status of Climate Change given the intensity of rainfall and the action that can be taken
and expected in the future to treat with the intensity of rainfall
cxxxiv. The Division recognises that the normal pattern that was expected in time past no longer
expected;
cxxxv. The intensity of rainfall is increasing;
cxxxvi. The average rainfall for the month of September, 2019 was approximately 171mm whereas it
was 117mm in 20 hours with Storm Karen;
cxxxvii. Projection of rainfall may continue in the future;
cxxxviii. The need to save and reuse stormwater;
cxxxix. Recharge of groundwater should also be considered;
The extent to which it is important to harness stormwater

cxl. The harnessing of stormwater needs to be a priority going forward;
190
cxli. Damns, stormwater ponds and other retention basins need to be considered to store water.
Whether the information being collected for Trinidad for the application is also being done
for Tobago
cxlii. The TEMA is extending the application to Tobago;
cxliii. The application will be available in the ensuing 3-4months.
Closing remarks
cxliv. The need for closer collaborations amongst entities;
cxlv. The need to examine issues such as containment or squatting;
cxlvi. The need for enforcement;
cxlvii. The need to address culture change;
cxlviii. The need for Tobago to be integrated into the national plans;
cxlix. The need to ensure that information is shared;
cl. The UWI has a lot of interaction and a good relationship with the entities present;
cli. The UWI worked with the WRA on the application;
clii. The UWI has shared with the WRA its models to provide predictive information;
cliii. Recently, the UWI had a training with the Drainage Division;
cliv. UWI has been meeting with Drainage Division and suggesting research topics;
clv. UWI met with the WRA and outlined its research agenda and the number of students available
and the support the UWI requires with respect to data;
clvi. The WRA has been providing the UWI with the data and the students have been continuing
with their work;
clvii. The UWIs willingness to provide assistance with respect to training and creating knowledge
to develop a flood resilient system.
December 2, 2019
191
APPENDIX III
DATED DECEMBER 4, 2019
192
MINUTES OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH MEETING OF THE JOINT SELECT

CONFERENCE ROOM, LEVEL 2 (IN CAMERA) AND THEREAFTER IN THE
J.HAMILTON MAURICE MEETING ROOM, (IN PUBLIC) MEZZANINE
FLOOR, OFFICE OF THE PARLIAMENT, TOWER D, #1A WRIGHTSON
ROAD, PORT OF SPAIN ON WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2019
ON WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 04, 2019
Present were:
Mr. Deoroop Teemal Chairman
Mr. Rushton Paray, MP Vice Chairman
Mr. Wade Mark Member
Mr. Nigel De Freitas Member
Mrs. Glenda Jennings-Smith, MP Member
Mrs. Angelique Massiah Secretary

Ms. Renee Batson Assistant Secretary
Mr. Jean-Marc Morris Legal Officer I
Ms. Katharina Gokool Graduate Research Assistant
Ms. Safiyyah Shah Graduate Research Assistant
Excused were:
Dr. Lovell Francis, MP Member
Mr. Darry Smith Member
Mr. Franklin Khan Member
Also present were:
Officials from the Ministry of Planning and Development

Ms. Marie Hinds Director (Ag.) Town and Country Planning
Division
Ms. Camille Guichard Assistant Director (Ag.) Town and Country.
Planning Division
Dr Ancil Kirk Assistant Coordinator
Dr David Persad Environmental Manager, Environmental Policy
and Planning Division
Ms. Candace Leung Woo-Gabriel Research Analyst, Environmental Policy and
Planning Division
Officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government
193

Representative from the Faculty of Engineering University of the West Indies (UWI)
Dr Vincent Cooper Expert in Water Management
PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND

LOCAL GOVERNMENT, MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AND
THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
6.2 The Chairman welcomed representatives of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local
Government, Ministry of Planning and Development, and the Faculty of Engineering,
University of the West Indies and introductions were exchanged.
hearing.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman
Secretary
January 29, 2020
194
Appendix
48th Meeting of the Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure
Wednesday December 04, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
Opening Remarks
University of the West Indies (UWI)
i. Flood resilience involves efficient pursuance of the following five (5) approaches:
 flood prevention;
 flood defense;
 flood mitigation;
 flood preparation; and
 flood recovery.
ii. UWI is committed to working with organisations to bring about the transformation through
robust infrastructure and governance systems to minimise disruption from flooding and permit
economic and social pursuits of communities within Trinidad and Tobago;
Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MoRDLG)
iii. The responsibilities do not include major river basins and drainage catchments, or main
watercourses and drains along main roads and highways;
iv. Studies are not viewed as a core function of the MoRDLG;
v. The MoRDLG indicated that it is committed to partnering with stakeholders to support
initiatives and to implement recommendations arising from the studies;
vi. The MoRDLG’s drainage projects including its 14 Municipal Corporations are aligned with
its budgetary allocation under the recurrent expenditure and PSIP;
vii. In fiscal 2020, the MoRDLG was allocated 1.53% of the overall national budget under the
PSIP for drainage works;
viii. The MoRDLG and its 14 Municipal Corporations constructed over 20,000 meters of box
drains, 4,000 metres of curb walls and slipper drains, 450 metres of box culvert crossings and
four (4) bridges with the allocation;
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ix. The sum of $143.4 mm was allocated under the PSIP in fiscal 2020 for a number of different
types of projects, and to support the different Ministries and agencies, including the MoWT,
MoRDLG, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and
Fisheries (MoALF);
x. The MoPD is also examining how some of the important studies on the environment have
been financed under the National Development Plan, Vision 2030, and the PSIP;
Key points of public hearing
The action that can be taken to treat with the problem of illegal building which has an impact
on flooding
xi. Most flooding is the result of illegal structures in flood prone areas;
xii. The TCPD begun work to map complaints to determine the correlation between illegal
structures and flooding;
xiii. The MoPD has a challenges in terms of a database for enforcement;
xiv. There is a need to use Global Information System (GIS) for data to assist in obtaining the
required information;
xv. The need for collaboration to address the issue of illegal structures in terms of empowerment;
xvi. The MoPD will have its second discussions with agencies such as the Regional Corporations,
the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), MoWT, Drainage Division on December
5, 2019 to address real scenarios;
xvii. The TCPD is likely to refuse an application for development on a riverbank unless very robust
engineering structures and engineering plans are in place;
xviii. The TCPD lacks power to act in instances where development is on a riverbank however, the
local government agencies are empowered to enforce on such a development;
Whether the MoRDLG has an important role in driving cultural behaviours in communities
in terms of issues
xix. Not everyone in leadership and decision making positions are willing to take necessary and
harsh decisions for the greater good of a greater number of people;
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xx. The Corporations have a responsibility for enforcement but is tardy;

xxi. Despite enforcement notices being served on violators, decisions are delayed at the level of
the Council to mandate the administration to enforce the provisions of legislation and
demolition;
xxii. The process with respect to land development and laying out land into building lots requires
the prospective violator to be served a notice of advice providing a reasonable timeframe,
probably between 7 and 14 days to respond to the notice of advice and to present himself or
herself to the Corporation’s Inspectorate Department, to be advised of the violation and
probably take steps to make good the violation;
The status of the National Physical Planning Act in terms of its full operationalisation
xxiii. The MoPD has a sub-committee which examines all the elements in terms of full proclamation
of the Planning and Development and Facilitation Act;
xxiv. The MoPD is working towards the proclamation of the PFD Act as early as next year, 2020;
xxv. The Municipal Planning Authorities will be under the purview of the MoRDLG;
xxvi. The MoPD has been discussing the proposed structures of those entities with the MoRDLG;
xxvii. The MoPD is also examining the profile of the members of the National Planning Authority
and ensuring that the executive process is prepared for discussion with the senior executives
of the Ministry;
xxviii. The new construction permitting process is an electronic based system that involves a
transparent application process;
xxix. The first part of the pilot for the Construction Permitting Process will be rolled out in 2020
in the Port of Spain area which will be the first regional office;
xxx. The municipal planning components will be handed over to the MoRDLG if the National
Planning Authority is proclaimed, whether or not the local government legislation is ready;
The status of the Construction Permitting Process

xxxi. The MoPD entered into a contractual arrangement with Crimson Logic eighteen (18) months
ago through a competitive tender’s process for a single electronic window to improve the ease
of doing business in Trinidad and Tobago;
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xxxii. The MoPD digitised over 51,000 records between the period 2000 to 2017 from the Port of
Spain area;
xxxiii. The MoPD agenda includes the commencement of the first pilot of the Construction
Permitting Process in January 2020;
xxxiv. The MoPD also started digitising the records for the South offices. Tobago will soon be
digitised as well;
xxxv. The member who has submitted data will also be able to track the status of the application;
xxxvi. The MoPD anticipates that the Port of Spain Office of the TCPD will be completely automated
first and the other departments will follow shortly thereafter;
xxxvii. The MoWT, MoPU, WASA, THA and T&TEC are also all involved in the Construction
Permitting Process;
The new initiatives being taken with regards to enforcement on developments given the
increased strength in Municipal Police Officers
xxxviii. Each Municipal Police Officer is also a Litter Warden who can issue clean-up orders and take
action on illegal dumping;
xxxix. In some instances perpetrators have been summoned to court;
The studies being done to establish the cost of flooding to the country
xl. The UWI is unaware of studies to establish the cost of flooding to the country;
xli. The studies usually entail structural measures for flood alleviation which seem to be too
expensive and where the benefit to cost ratio of the structural measures are small;
The work done by the Storm water Management Committee established by the Joint
Consultative Committee in 2010
xlii. The work of the Storm water Management Committee did not get very far;
xliii. The focus of the Storm Water Management Committee was directed towards the
establishment of a drainage code which is currently absent;
xliv. The Storm water Management Committee took into consideration that the MoWT’ s,
Drainage Division did not have a code to give potential developers for their infrastructural
work;
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xlv. A drainage code or storm water management policy provides a sort of coherence within the
industry, with respect to solutions that are adopted, as well as the techniques used for
determining the size of various drains and culverts and bridges;
xlvi. A drainage code or storm water management policy will assist in streamlining approvals for
the construction process, as the Drainage Division would have a particular approach to follow;
Collaboration between UWI and Ministries thus far

xlvii. The UWI can assist in customizing programmes at the tertiary/post-graduate level;
xlviii. The UWI also has opportunities for providing research when requested;
xlix. The tools required for doing models may come from good hardware facilities and powerful
computers that are able to do simulations;
l. The UWI can be part of the development of the Flood Hazard Maps given its ability to perform
hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to provide better quality and more accurate maps;
li. The UWI was involved in training as recent as week of November 25, 2019;
lii. UWI collaborated with and is currently assisting the MoWT concerning issues with the Caroni
River; and
liii. A report on the Caroni River will be submitted soon.
January 29th, 2020
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APPENDIX IV
NOTES OF PROCEEDINGS
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UNREVISED VERBATIM NOTES OF THE FORTY-SIXTH MEETING OF THE

JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO ENQUIRE INTO AND
REPORT ON LAND AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE HELD IN THE
A.N.R. ROBINSON MEETING ROOM (EAST), LEVEL 9 (IN PUBLIC), OFFICE
OF THE PARLIAMENT, TOWER D, PORT OF SPAIN INTERNATIONAL
WATERFRONT CENTRE, #1A WRIGHTSON ROAD, PORT OF SPAIN, ON
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 AT 10.30 A.M.
PRESENT
Mr. Rushton Paray Vice-Chairman
ABSENT
Dr. Lovell Francis Member
Mr. Darryl Smith Member
Mrs. Glenda Jennings-Smith Member
Mr. Chairman: I would like to welcome everyone who is present as well as our viewing and
listening audience, to this the 46th Meeting of the Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical
Infrastructure, pursuant to an enquiry into flood alleviation and control measures for major river
basins and drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago.
Before we get into this meeting itself, I would like to remind members and all who are
present here, all officials, to please turn off your cell phones, or the option is there to place them
on silent or vibrate.
I would like to note that this hearing is being broadcast live on the Parliament Channel 11,
Parliament Radio105.5 FM, and the Parliament’s YouTube Channel ParlView, and to inform
members of the viewing and listening audience that you can interact with what is taking place
here this morning. You can send comments via email at parl101@ttparliament.org, or you can
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go to our Facebook page at facebook.com/ttparliament or on Twitter @ttparliament, and send

your comments while this particular enquiry is in progress.
I would like to welcome officials of the Ministry of Works and Transport. Before you
introduce yourselves I will introduce myself and then invite Committee members to introduce
themselves. My name is Deoroop Teemal and I am Chairman of this JSC on Land and Physical
Infrastructure.
[Introductions made]
Mr. Chairman: Please now, officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, you can
introduce yourselves.
Ms. Ramdath: Thank you, Chair and Vice-Chair. I am the Acting Permanent Secretary. I
represent Sonia Francis-Yearwood who is out of the country at this moment. I will allow my
team members to introduce themselves.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much. Just once small note. You would notice that there are
glasses in front of you, but no plastic bottles. Parliament has made the decision that we are not
waiting until January 2020, but we have started implementing the use of single use plastics, but
there are some mugs around with water so that you can help yourself accordingly during the
course of the hearing.
Just as we begin, the enquiry, as I indicated before, is an enquiry into flood alleviation and
control measures of major river basins, drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago subjected to
major flooding over the past years.
Now, this is the first public hearing we are having with this particular enquiry, so I would
just like to give a little background to the purpose of this enquiry.
We know that flooding is a significant recurrent problem in Trinidad and Tobago that
results in serious economic and social costs every year. It occurs frequently in both urban and
rural areas, leading to substantial losses of property, crop damage, health problems and severe
inconvenience to entire communities. Perennial flash floods occur along the foothills of the
Northern Range and Caparo and South Oropouche basins. In recent years instances of severe
flooding have increased. In 2017, a number of communities in Trinidad were affected by
flooding, particularly in south and east Trinidad. The flooding was attributed to heavy rains,
Storm Bret, and moreover in 2018, was met with extensive flooding in the northeastern and
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southern parts of Trinidad and was actually labelled a natural disaster. It was described as the
worst flooding experience in years.
The losses incurred as a result of damages caused by floods could not be adequately
counted or compensated and ranged from diseases such as rat borne leptospirosis to losses in
property, crops and livestock. Some affected persons lamented that they lost everything, whilst
others faced restricted access to property due to some roads becoming impassable as a result of
flooding. In both years flooding also resulted in caving and landslides on certain roads, and in
some instances entire communities were cut off for substantial periods of time.
Now, over the years the Ministry of Works and Transport Drainage Division and the
regional corporations we are aware have done maintenance work on some of the main river
systems in the country. However, because of a number of local flooding events, this Joint Select
Committee found it necessary to take a holistic look at entire river basin systems and engineering
solutions which would effectively mitigate, manage and control storm water flows and flooding.
One other factor, the impact of climate change on flooding in Trinidad and Tobago. The
Committee recognizes the impact of climate change, in that, the country is particularly vulnerable
to severe consequences of climate change which results in rising of sea levels, increased flooding,
increased frequency and intensity of storms and hurricanes, erosion, particularly hillside erosion,
and loss of coastal habitats.
So with that brief background, the overarching objectives of this enquiry—we have three
major objectives for this particular enquiry. One is to examine the current policies and measures
for flood alleviation and control of major river basins and catchments. Two, to examine the
effectiveness of policies and initiatives for flood alleviation and control, and three, to determine
the challenges associated with flood alleviation and control measures.
So with that bit of background and a reminder of the major objectives, I would like to just
request of the Ministry of Works and Transport for any opening comments, any opening remarks,
and then I will allow the members of the Committee to pose their comments and questions to you.
Ms. Ramdath: Good morning again. Thank you Chair, Vice-Chair, members. I hear you and
we also have similar concerns as well on the opening statement, Chair. So thank you for inviting
us to meet with this Committee once again.
At our last meeting, this Committee made recommendations that were considered, and I
hope today we can provide information that shows a level of improvement in the manner in which
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the Ministry continues to deal with flooding in Trinidad.

During fiscal 2018/2019, the Drainage Division undertook to implement projects within
a realistic budget and time frame for combating and treating with drainage and flooding
throughout Trinidad. Drainage Division’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to,
maintenance of natural water courses in Trinidad. We also provide advisory services to public
and private agencies in the areas of land development and drainage hydraulic designs. Drainage
division pursues its responsibilities through its four districts in the north, south, east and central.
I wish to add that Drainage Division does not operate alone. We work closely with a
number of stakeholders, some of which are the Ministry of Planning and Development, the
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local
Government, the Ministry of Public Utilities and the Ministry of Finance, to name a few. Also,
most importantly, we work with the communities throughout Trinidad to assist us in alleviating
flooding.
We have submitted written submissions based on questions raised by this Committee. We
hope today we can provide further information as you may require for us to further clarify the
issues that you have identified in your opening statements, Chair. Thank you again. We welcome
your questions.
Mr. De Freitas: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome again and good morning again. So, in
Trinidad and Tobago we are trying to deal with flooding, and you mentioned the Drainage
Division trying to deal with that. So could you be more specific in terms of some of the projects
being put forward to treat with flooding in Trinidad and Tobago?
Ms. Ramdath: Thank you, member. We have a number of projects that we are engaged in right
now. I would like to break down into recurrent as well as our Development Programme. As you
see I have my exports here on each side of me who will go in a little further detail. So I just want
to itemize for you.
Under recurrent, we have in our line Item, budgetary allocation, Vote 09, whereby we
pursue a lot of projects that require large sets of equipment. So the Ministry of Works and
Transport in collaboration with the Central Tenders Board, every year on an annual basis we
establish what you deem a bonded listing of contractors to hire when and as required equipment
to clear debris, to clear water courses. So that is recurrent.
Under Vote 28 we pursue projects such as the desilting programme. I can safely tell you
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in the last fiscal year, and I mentioned in my opening statement, in 2018—2019 we were able to
pursue, actually complete over 300 desilting projects. We also have under Vote 28, recurrent, we
have construction projects that consist of walling, paving where required in the water courses to
minimize the flooding.
I would like to also point out, before I pass you on to—give you further details on our
development programmes. While we have these initiatives of walling, paving, desilting, clearing
silt traps, we also have as part of our projects an entire gates and pumps programme. In our last
submission we indicated that our pumps were very outdated, since in the ’60s, and we have a
comprehensive programme to replace those pumps. We are in the process of doing that. Again,
I will pass you on for them to give you further details on exactly the status. I think in our
submission we also had the status of where those—because we did award a few, actually about
five we awarded last fiscal.
In addition I must point out to you that flooding—Chair, I have to refer to your opening
statement, and yes it is not just Drainage Division. It is a holistic problem for everyone in the
country. That is why I mentioned some of the collaborators that we closely collaborate with to
execute our projects. I stress on the community involvement in helping us to do what we need to
do to clear our water courses.
Keeping in mind that rain falls, it is falling a bit differently and I have to refer to the
effects. Since 2017, we the country have been facing a different type of rainfall. I will refer to
October 2018, the massive flood. We had received in two days, one month of rainfall in two
days. Our water courses were not sufficient to capture that volume of storm water runoffs, and
therefore the massive flooding takes place inland. I will pass you on to my esteemed gentleman
here, Director of Drainage, who will go in a little more detail on our development projects. You
speak, member, of our projects. I identified the recurrent for you and I am going to ask him to go
over our development projects that we have under our Development Programme that consists of
Consolidated Fund as well as our IDF projects. Thank you, member.
Mr. Gunness: Thank you, PS. Now, what I would do is elaborate a little bit further into the
Public Sector Investment Programme. There is the major river cleaning programme in the fiscal
year 2019, the Caroni Rehabilitation and Improvement Works project was awarded with a
contract sum of approximately $19.5 million. It is about 65 per cent complete. Ninety per cent
of the embankment works were done of approximately 5.3 kilometres.
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Mr. De Freitas: This is recurrent, right?

Mr. Gunness: No, this is public sector.
Mr. De Freitas: You are saying it is 60-something per cent complete. Once it is complete that
is it, it does not need to be done again next year?
Mr. Gunness: No. These are improvement works that actually stem from the studies. Then
there is the irrigation and drainage infrastructure, that is the Caroni irrigation area, phase 2,
Felicity pump house, with a contract sum of $1.1 million, and it is about 98 per cent complete.
Works include installation of pumps and rehabilitation works on Felicity gates, irrigation
structures and outpour drains.
I would go now to the infrastructure and flood mitigation which in the fiscal year 2019,
Diana River improvement works, phase 2 was awarded. Then there is the flood reduction works
at Marie Dolay and Guaracara River. Then following that, there is another project, Soledad River
improvement works. Then there is irrigation and drainage infrastructure in the Caroni irrigation
areas.
Under Vote 09 there is also a programme of upgrading to existing drainage pumps and
gates inventory. In the year 2019, the contracts were awarded for the following areas: Upgrade
of Tulsa Trace pump house and gates; that is in Penal. Reconstruction of Sadhoo Trace pump
house, El Socorro. Then there is the gate structure at Bamboo Number 1. Upgrade of gate
structure at St. John’s, Fyzabad, and upgrade of gate structures at Trinidad Point, Woodland.
Those were the five contracts that were awarded. Under the National Programme there is the
Diego Martin improvement works, the Maraval basin improvement works, Maraval river basin.
So, as we could see here there is a lot of work that is going on under the IDF. These are
works separate from the recurrent works that are undertaken.
Mr. Chairman: Roughly, in terms of the PSIP for 2019, what percentage would you say,
approximately, of the PSIP drainage works are allocated, all those projects you called out and
everything, in terms of an overall figure, of percentage of the PSIP, could you provide that
information?
Ms. Ramdath: You would like to have only Drainage Division or the entire Ministry?
Mr. Chairman: Everything that pertains to drainage and alleviation of flooding and all those
things. Maybe how many hundred million dollars or 7 per cent of your PSIP. If you cannot
provide me at this point in time, could you provide the Committee in writing?
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Ms. Ramdath: Yes, I would like to provide with your permission those details in writing. Thank
you.
Mr. De Freitas: So we have heard of all of the works being done in relation to the drainage
department in trying to alleviate flooding, which is pretty good. My question is—I am looking
for the holistic approach. By holistic I mean, you made a very good statement just now, which
is, with climate change the type of rainfall we are experiencing has changed. What we are
experiencing I believe, is you have a larger volume of water in a shorter period of time, and
naturally water courses would change when this happens. So you have more water coming down
and there is a lot more flooding because the water courses cannot handle the volume of water.
The reason I am talking about holistic, is there anything in the Ministry by way of, for
example, a map of all of water courses, tributaries, rivers, streams in Trinidad and Tobago, and a
model that tells you all of the floodplains associated with those water courses? So that you at the
Ministry would know this particular river in Diego Martin, if this volume of water tries to go
through there, then this is the floodplain, meaning that all of these communities are at risk. The
reason I am asking for that is because then you can educate individuals who now currently live in
a floodplain. So is there anything in the Ministry to that level?
Ms. Ramdath: Member, thank you for that question. I was hoping I would get that question. So
I am going to pass you on to Mr. Baksh who has been our engineer in dealing with our studies on
a holistic approach. You mentioned mapping and modelling, and I have these engineers who are
actually under training to be able to develop the GIS maps, on mapping all our water courses and
the low floodplains. So they are right now in training, but I am going to let him give you a little
more detail on the holistic approach that the Drainage Division, along with the Ministry of Works
and Transport, has been able to undertake.
Mr. Baksh: Good morning. Basically, to answer your question simply, we are presently actually
pursuing a technical assistance with—I am sure you all are aware of, the CAF bank. So we are
currently putting together documents and those sorts of things to formalize a technical assistance
with them. Well, I cannot go into much detail because it is still very, very, early—but one of the
goals, as you mentioned, exactly that, being able to have a map of Trinidad and Tobago
identifying flood areas. Now, there is a map prepared by ODPM, but it is not something that is
detailed. So in terms of having flood depths and those sort of things, like having an actual flood
hazard map or a flood map, that is one of the objectives we are looking to achieve by this technical
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assistance.
In terms of developing our in-house capability as well, because I know that is a problem,
right, we are also looking at developing that aspect as well in terms of our capabilities in terms of
modelling these catchments and these flooding areas.
Mr. De Freitas: Perfect. Now, that is great news. My concern is that it might be after the fact.
So you get the map, you find out all of the floodplains in Trinidad and Tobago based on where
the rivers are and whatnot, and you realize that a large section of the population is living in
floodplains. What next?
Mr. Mohammed: Basically, we have to start now. If we do not start now we have no idea where
things are. We cannot stop somebody now and tell them, “You cannot build here”. They will ask
you, “Why I cannot build here, I own this land”. So, unless we have this map, we have to start
with the map, this forms our justification as to the way to move forward. This is our way of
communicating now with other agencies and developing our collaboration with them to move
forward and work together basically, as to come up with an actual solution. So I think the first
step in this direction is to actually formalize the approach, and developing this flood map, I think,
will help us, basically. It will basically be our talking point.
Mr. Paray: Through you, Mr. Chair, thank you again and welcome everyone. I have a couple
of questions concerning that CAF engagement, and you speak about the development of this map
or this planning opportunity with that.
Could you tell us very briefly, what exactly is the technical assistance plan that you are
getting from CAF, what it is going to do to impact or mitigate flooding in Trinidad and Tobago?
If you could identify how long ago it started and when is your expected date for completion so
you can execute that plan.
Mr. Mohammed: Basically, this CAF initiative is actually through the Ministry of Finance.
They actually formalized everything for us to basically start and open the line of communication
with them. This actually began with the Ministry’s Drainage Division because I think they have
other agencies that they work with. This actually started in March this year, so we did site visits
with them. In terms of the actual on-paper details, it is still being finalized and formalized. So in
terms of what we have and what we want to achieve, it is basically a drainage plan. We want to
basically identify what we have already so we have studies completed already as you all are
aware, based on the answers to the questions, and we will basically take into consideration those
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plans as well as identify where are the areas or where there are gaps and fill the gaps basically.
So in terms of the final details, we cannot go into details of that.
Mr. Chairman: Looking at your response to some of the questions is that we have studies galore.
I mean coming back over from decades, we have had so many studies being done. I think I just
did a quick summary from the period 2012 coming forward to present, and we have actually
expended $66 million in studies: Caroni river basin study, the North Oropouche river basin study,
some have been listed in your response.
Now, one of the comments coming out of it, or one of the observations, in fact, member
Franklin Khan is not here today, but when I was making my contribution during the budget debate,
he did intercede during my debate and he made a very valid point that a lot these studies are
heavily biased in terms of engineering, particularly the hydrology and hydraulics studies which
seem to be the norm over the years. A lot of solutions proposed are based on this hard core
engineering hydraulic and hydrological findings coming out of it.
We are using the term “holistic”, but the point was that how integrated are these studies,
and if we are engaging CAF for this particular study which is to be a comprehensive study to
address the overall situation of flooding, how holistic or how broad-based is it in terms of to
engage disciplines other than the engineering? We are talking about does it entail, for instance,
establishing economic feasibilities for the works that are going to be identified, because this
Committee has been searching. In terms of research into the actual cost estimate for damage and
losses arising out of flooding, we have not come across anything as yet. In fact, I do not think it
is there in any detailed, comprehensive form, but the studies that have been done, we have been
going through some of those studies, and they are highly intensive capital projects, running into
billions of dollars to effectively bring about flood relief, flood alleviation, in some of the major
catchments.
11.00 a.m.
And if we are not linking, you know, the economic feasibility of all of these works that
have been identified— because it would indicate that we have to seek funding, maybe
international funding, to address some of these major projects that have been identified in these
studies.
So the question is that, in terms of going forward with this comprehensive drainage plan,
is how broad-based it is, how multi-disciplinary it is, that is going to allow us to look overall from
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the very source, you know, erosion, causes of erosion, erosion control, prevention of sediments
even before it reaches the watercourse, all of these things. Is this the direction we are going with
the CAF study?
Ms. Ramdath: Thank you, Chair. As my esteem colleague has identified, I will summarize this,
and I will give you a summarized response to your concerns that you have identified to your
question. We did mention a holistic approach, and we did mention about our national drainage
plan which will consider both the economic feasibility and every aspect of flooding. And when
I say “every aspect of flooding” I mean the loss of life, the loss of property, coastal erosion, loss
of actually land space. Right? And our are watercourses, is it sufficient to traverse that water,
that storm water and the roll off of all other types of water as a result of rain and drains, riverine
and all of that?
What I want to say is that, we have shared our studies with representatives from the CAF
along with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning and Development. So in March month
of this year, as my esteem colleague had referred to, we had a host of stakeholder engagements.
Before we considered taking up any or accepting any proposal, we, at those stakeholder
engagements that we had with everyone, we considered. We even considered retaining the water
in dams and all that. So there were a lot of approaches at those stakeholder engagements that we
had where we explored a holistic approach, the economic feasibility, the effects of flooding in the
country, and that is what the representatives from CAF— they even had a representative from
Netherlands as well, a consultant. And as we would know, Netherlands also is a very low; below
the sea level, and they were able— they had implemented a lot of measures in place to retain their
land space, and to minimize their land loss as a result of coastal erosion as a result of flooding.
So we had— they brought in the consultant from Netherlands who considered our unique
composition of our land and our watercourses in the country. We did site visits with them in
order for them to actually have a realistic view of what we are dealing with in Trinidad.
They have taken all our studies, and they have taken the information from those
stakeholder engagements, and they are to come back to us with an approach. Yeah? And we are
waiting on that. Right now, it is being processed, it has gone to the organization to CAF for
consideration, and they will be approaching us with a detailed solution to all the information and
the issues that we have identified at our stakeholder engagements. For further details, I would
like very much if we could even give you in writing even more a little more details on what I have
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said this morning. Thank you, Chair.

Mr. Paray: Okay. Thank you very much, Deputy PS. Taking into consideration the age of those
reports, Chairman spoke about $66 million would have been spent over the last 15/20 years, these
reports have been handed to CAF, these studies. Taking into consideration climate change and
the changing nature of rainfall and so on, giving CAF these reports to base their submission on,
do you think that is a bit risky in terms of the relevance of those reports in 2019 based on the
factors concerning climate change?
Ms. Ramdath: Thank you, member. And I would not say that it is risky because I failed to
mention to you that while, as Chair had mentioned that the studies were very costly, I must let
you know that the projects that I had identified at the beginning, both myself and my esteemed
colleague, came out of some of those studies. I must let you know what we are implementing
today, while we are waiting on the comprehensive study, we did come out from the studies that
we paid for. I would like to answer you, member, so I am going to have my esteemed colleague
to go into a little more detail for you, and I hope that will satisfy your query.
Mr. Baksh: So just to refer back to the Chairman, I must say that I am glad you realized that,
the Committee realizes that the high capital cost that some of these recommendations are, and we
as a country it may seem unfeasible, I think. Right? But at as the Vice-Chair, as he asked about
in terms of with regard to the relevance of the studies so, yes, I totally agree. Some of them may
seem—and I think we covered that in the answers, that some of them may seem outdated, but the
solutions and their relevance still hold. But what we advise in terms of— at this point in time, as
we say, we talked with CAF itself, it is very early, we advised them of the age, as well as the
costing especially because the costing would have been done at the time of the conclusion of the
study. So those things will be updated as well as the relevance of the recommendations will also
be updated.
Mr. Paray: Let me ask you this, Mr. Baksh. In an earlier statement we were referencing cost
and some votes and some areas, how important is the sluice gates and pumps and so on in terms
of managing floodwaters and making an effective control in terms of what happens with run off?
And how important is that in the fight against the elevation of the effects of flooding? How
important that tool is?
Mr. Baksh: I would say it is very important in certain areas. Right? So I am not sure if the
team—well, our committee is aware, but I mean for the purposes of the public, I mean gates and
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floodgate and sluice gates and flap gates basically are thrown around as gates, but there are
different types of gates. Right? And different types of gates are used for different purposes.
Right? So in terms of irrigation, in the dry season, you use sluice gates to allow a certain level, a
certain head for irrigation. Right? Flap gates, on the other hand, flap gates function differently.
Flap gates, when the river itself is flowing very high it is forced to close and the water within the
actual catchment, the sub-catchment is allowed to be stored there, and this is where the pump
comes in. A pump comes now and pumps out the water from that sub-catchment into the
watercourse, the main watercourse.
Mr. Paray: I understand that there is quite a bit—
Mr. Baksh: So in terms of— to answer your question, how important it is, I think, it is very
important. And in terms of the upgrade of the pumps and gates, we have this programme under
the PSIP which we are looking at.
Mr. Paray: Let me ask you this. There is an obvious asset base of these items, your pumps, your
gates and so on, and in the public domain we always hearing about components not working,
malfunctioning. If you were to give me an estimate in terms of percentage, how much of this
asset base is non-functional or in need of repairs or upgrading right now based on your total
inventory of that tool?
Ms. Ramdath: Chair, I appreciate—yes, I agree with you. If you permit me, Chair, I would
really like to submit those details in writing for you so we can be accurate with the information
that we give you in terms of—
Mr. Paray: But not even a little estimate? Because what I wanted to get at is that, I listened, the
Vote as being $1.1 million to repair pumps and so on, and to my knowledge coming out of the
public domain that there is a high amount of these pieces of equipment that are in need of repairs.
And if, as Mr. Baksh is saying, that this is absolutely important in this fight against flooding, and
the Vote is $1.1 million, well I am seeing a huge disconnect in terms of, if this is so critical, why
it is we are not putting some more funding to either repair and upgrade these items?
So I just wanted to get—because, you see, when we write our report for the Parliament
we must identify that more funding needs to be put in these areas, especially if there is a high
amount of equipment that is non-functional or in need of repairs or upgrades. So we would really
like to get, I mean, as you said in writing, if you can give us an idea in terms of the numbers; and
can $1.1 million sufficiently put, I mean, a good fight towards this whole issue.
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Ms. Ramdath: Vice-Chair, I did not realize that I walked with the costing as well. So when I
indicated to you that I will submit that in writing, I realized that I have it. Yes, and I totally agree
with you that the one point something million is not sufficient. In the fiscal year 2020, we have
estimated and we did receive the allocation of $18 million to assist the Ministry of Works and
Transport to execute its programme for upgrade to existing drainage pumps and the gate
inventory.
And I just want to add to my esteemed colleague that pumps and gates also controls the
flow of water as well. And as we all know and you will hear in the public domain that, well, they
did not turn on the pump or, you know, the pump, you know, or the pump is not working or we
did not—we do not have electricity for the pump to be fully functional; so all these goes behind.
Pumps and gates are critical, it is critical that is why we have to develop a programme which we
did, and that is why now it is critical for us to implement that programme that will assist and
minimize on the flooding in the country. So I hope this answers you, Vice-Chair.
Mr. Paray: Let me just ask that the commitment of the Ministry for an additional $18 million to
deal with that specific issue, if in your—if you could submit to us in writing a bit, if you receive
that money, exactly what percentage of that equipment, pumps and sluice gates and so on, will be
dealt in fiscal 2020 so, at least, the population can know that listen, we are going to be 80 per cent
or 70 per cent functional in those areas with that $18 million? Thank you.
Mr. De Freitas: Thank you, Mr. Chair. In relation to the comments just made, to me, it seems
as though the programme is trying to get us back to a particular level, and let me explain what I
mean. These assets as member Paray put it, do they require maintenance? Yes, right?
Ms. Ramdath: Yes.
Mr. De Freitas: So we are upgrading them now. Have they been maintained over the years?
Ms. Ramdath: Yes, we have been maintaining. However, the infrastructure because it is aged
and all our maintenance measures and solutions that we have implemented, they are—in 2017,
when we did an assessment, we concluded that we were unable to maintain, again, we definitely
had to replace, and we definitely had to upgrade, and that is why we went into the Ministry of
Finance and asked for the funding, as well as we developed the programme under our
development programme to be able to upgrade these pumps and replace; I am talking pumps, but
pumps and gates. Right? So in terms of answering you, yes, we do have maintenance programme
however, as a result of the infrastructure, the age of the infrastructure it has become obsolete to
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maintain any longer.

Mr. De Freitas: What is the average age you are talking about here of those assets?
Ms. Ramdath: As I mentioned in the beginning— because I think it was in the ’60s. So ’60s and
’70s, we were—yeah. Yeah. That is how old these infrastructures, the pumps and the gates are.
Mr. De Freitas: The reason I am asking those questions, and you are right, they are pretty aged,
if you are talking about the ’60s. I am trying to figure out what the real impact is as you are
rolling out this programme to upgrade these assets? Have you seen so far, based on what you
have been able to do, any impact at all in relation to flooding in the country?
Mr. Gunness: I do take your question into note, but these works are being rolled out. Remember,
five contracts have just been awarded for pumps and gates, so we will not see the impact
immediately because they have not been constructed. Right? But they are designed to cater for
the flooding in that area that occurs in an area to provide relief. Now, we have to take note the
purpose of the pumps, also if the water is lower than the river, it needs to pump from that area
and transferred into the river. Okay? I think that answers your question?
Mr. De Freitas: No. Because I just wanted to— remember the public is listening, and every
time rain falls, certain areas are underwater; Port of Spain is a just good example of one. But they
are also hearing today from the Ministry of Works and Transport of all of these wonderful
initiatives that are being done to help alleviate flooding, and that is why I wanted to make that
connection because to them there may be a disassociation in the sense that, but it flood yesterday,
you know, but you are doing all these things, and that is why I asked about the impact. So what
I am understanding now in that, in the future moving forward, we expect to see a reduction in
flooding as all of these initiatives come to fruition, and that is what I wanted to get at, and that is
basically what is coming out.
Ms. Ramdath: Thank you, member. So I just want to give you an example of the impact of the
initiative that the Ministry of Works and Transport has implemented and continues to implement,
for example, Greenvale has not flood since 2018. Right? So we have been—and also, I would
like to pass you on to Navin Ramsingh who is going to touch a little on the impact of alleviating
flooding in Port of Spain.
Mr. Chairman: Before you go to Port of Spain or let us know about Port of Spain, not that I
want to belabour the point about the many studies that have been done and the initiative to bring
all of it under one comprehensive drainage plan through the involvement of CAF, I think it is a
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step in the right direction. We need to rationalize, we need to collect all that data and everything,
we have to do some sifting. We have to put it in an order of priority in terms of the impact that it
is going to have, in terms of getting value for money and all of those things. But, you know, one
of the unsettling thoughts in my mind is that the CAF report would just become one of those
studies, and then we will have CAF one, CAF two, CAF three and all of those things. Because,
you know, the Committee is seeing documentation from in terms of Vision 2030, and the whole
thing about Vision 2030 is Sustainable Development Goals, achieving Sustainable Development
Goals where whatever we do is sustainable in terms of development. And, of course, we would
like to see the whole flood mitigation, and flood management, risk management and everything
to do with flooding within that Sustainable Development Goals and Vision 2030.
So a concern is that, how integrated it is going to be, because Vision 2030 speaks about
an integrated water management model because, of course, we just cannot only look at flooding
where we have surplus run off and just not look at it in isolation from the overall problem of water
management. And it is just that with what— the direction we are going with CAF, from what I
am gathering is that, we are sort of throwing it out and then coming out of it, based on the initial
survey, we are going to get a— we are going to establish a joint terms of reference in which this
Vision 2030 sustainable goals in terms of integrated water management is going to be made an
overall part of this thing.
You see, I am looking, again, coming back of to the thing about integrated or holistic
approach because we are in the realms now of sustainable development, and the Committee just
wants to ensure, you know, that these reports do not stand in isolation, again, and they are purely
just engineering solutions and it does not take into account the whole overall broad-based thing
including climate change and everything. So it is just that I thought I would mention it again to
see if that if the Committee, our thoughts are in consonance with the approach being taken by the
Ministry of Works and Transport.
Ms. Ramdath: Thank you, Chair, and we share your concern and it is our concern because we
all live in the same country. And that is why I stressed on the stakeholder engagements, and in
my opening statement that is why I stressed on, we do not do it alone. Right? It is an interrogated
approach, rest assured. While—and I am happy that you referred to the policy framework Vision
2030 because it was coming out of that we were able to— because in accordance to the policy
framework, we are mandated to develop a national drainage plan. This national drainage plan is
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not just the Ministry of Works and Transport. It includes Ministry of Public Utilities, it includes
a water resource management policy, it includes every Ministry of Rural Development and Local
Government, it includes the regional corporations, it includes the Ministry of Planning and
Development, and that is why I even spoke about the committees as well, and that is why I went
into detail when I was speaking to our—the time we spent with the representatives from CAF.
We recognize it is an integrated approach, and we did outline in our earlier submission to
CAF that we would like to have an integrated approach, hence CAF had submissions from all
these entities, WASA, for example, the Water Resources Management Agency, you know. We
did have inputs from every entity that has a role to play in water management in this country.
And when I speak to water management, flooding and alleviation to flood is just one aspect of
water management.
So rest assured, Chair, it is indeed an integrated approach, and we do recognize, we have
spent moneys on these studies, we are implementing recommendations from these studies,
although we cannot recommend every recommendation, as you would have seen in our
submission because, one, some of the recommendations from the studies indicated that we have
to remove all, a whole committee, and when we check the costing, when we weighed the costing
for implementing a recommendation such as that against the study, the costing to remove a
committee, a whole committee is by far more greater, hence the reason you would think and you
will feel that studies are being done, being paid for and we are shelving it. No. I just want to rest
assured, I want to tell the public and the Committee that we are not simply having studies, and it
is not being shelved. We did consider recommendations from the studies. What we could
implement, based on our financial viability, we are implementing today. And I agree with you,
Chair, we did recognize that we have to have an integrated approach, as a result we have engaged
CAF to assist us in that. Thank you.
Mr. De Freitas: Could we have Mr. Ramsingh?
Mr. Chairman: Yes. Sure. Mr. Ramsingh.
Mr. Ramsingh: Good afternoon. Now, our approach to solving the flooding problem in Port of
Spain was simply, we had to prioritize the area that suffers from extensive flooding. So in this
phase of the project—so we had broken up we are dealing with Port of Spain flooding into a
number of phases. Basically, our approach is to reduce the amount of street flooding, so that the
motorists and the pedestrians would not be inconvenienced.
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So this year, we identified two critical areas which are South Quay by PTSC, and around
by Hyatt there. So the scope of work really involves maintenance which is cleaning the culverts.
The difference we did in this year is that we used technology. So when we clean the culverts,
there is—drainage had a robot with a camera, so we would sent that through the culvert and
identify exactly what is going on in the culvert through the culverts. Right? So that is
maintenance.
Then we had reconstruction. When we used this robot we realized that one of the critical
outfall drain which is the one by Henry Street that goes under PTSC building, that had collapsed
in Wrightson Road. Right? And that had to be replaced.
When we started to replace this culvert, we realized that most of the utilities that go into
Port of Spain with the gasoline and the waterline, those utilities had breached the structural
integrity of the culverts, and that contributed to a reduction in the flow in the culverts. So we had
to ensure that those utilities companies removed their— not remove, but they had to change the
elevation of their utility lines. So WASA came and they dropped their line below the culverts,
and NGC had to come and drop their lines under the culvert, and apart from which, we went in
that area and we cleaned seven culverts, all the way from the catchment in Port of Spain all the
way to outfall.
Now, what we found in the Port of Spain area is that, there was no gate system. So if you
had high intensity rain fall in Port of Spain and high tide, they water could not flow out as quickly
as it should. Right?
So part of the solution is under the PURE programme. We installed additional culverts.
That is the one that was built in front of PTSC, an additional culvert. So we increased the capacity
and the amount of water that we could take out of Port of Spain, and apart from which, we
constructed a small detention pond, a pump gate and flap gates.
So what we have achieved in Port of Spain really is that we have reduced substantially the
frequency in which Port of Spain floods, and we have reduced the duration of the flood, because
if you realize when Port of Spain floods now within an hour the water goes down, and pretty soon
when we commission the pumps, because the pumps are installed, they will be commissioned
soon. When the pumps are installed, you will get further reduction in the duration of the flooding.
Now, with climate change you do get high intensity short duration rainfall. Right? So
what we try to do, again, as I say is, reduce the duration. We are trying to get the water off the
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streets as quickly as possible.

11.30 a.m.
So, we have completed, as I said, Phase I which is two catchments. There are eight
catchment areas that were identified in Port of Spain, and this year we will continue with the next
two catchment areas. And basically in a nutshell that is what we have done in Port of Spain to
solve the flooding problem.
Mr. De Freitas: Okay, thank you Mr. Ramsingh. I do not think that the public truly understood
exactly how much was done in relation to that problem, specifically flooding in Port of Spain, and
as much as you are absolutely correct in that there is not much that could be done when a certain
amount of rain comes in a short period of time, all you can do is ensure that it runs off as fast as
possible, which, obviously, you have spoken to.
My question is this: Are we at a point now, Port of Spain specifically—because the MET
office would tell us when to expect rain and how much rain to expect—that we know exactly what
part of Port of Spain would be problematic in terms of that initial flooding, so that we can let
individuals in Port of Spain know rain is coming, expect flooding on Wrightson Road, so that
their behaviour can change? If rain starts at 3.00 p.m., I know Wrightson Road right now is going
to be flooded so I am going to wait until 5.00 before I leave to go home, because, as you are rightly
stating, the water would be gone in an hour, which to me might help alleviate the stress that people
encounter when rain falls, there is some flooding and then it is gone within an hour but there is
still that initial stress period, because everybody is trying to move through flood waters and
whatnot.
So, are we at that point where we know what parts of Port of Spain, sorry, would flood,
that we can educate the public, similar to what the ODPM does, so that behaviours can change to
alleviate the stress that come with flooding?
Mr. Ramsingh: It is a good idea. We are at the point where we have a fair idea of where would
flood based on the rainfall. So, I guess the challenge is within the Ministry of Works and Transport
now, to try to determine some kind of early warning system where we could put it out on the radio
and news, to let people know that it will flood within an hour and when the flood will subside. So
it is something that we could look at within the Ministry of Works and Transport, and we will try
to look into that.
Mr. De Freitas: I think the public would be absolutely grateful to have that level of early warning
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so that they are not caught in flood waters, and like I said, the stress would not be as much.
Mr. Ramsingh: Thank you. If I may say one other thing. Now, what we have found in Port of
Spain is that one of the problems we had is when we were cleaning the drains we found tyres,
barrels, garbage; you name it, we found it. Now, we did not just clean it this time, we ensured
that we put grills to prevent these things from going into the culverts. We had meetings with the
city corporation, because we know after every flood garbage blocks the grill and that reduces the
capacity of the infrastructure that we have cleaned or constructed. So, we had a meeting with the
city and we are working with the city, the city has a patrol gang and they go and they visit these
grills and things every morning and they keep it clean. Right. So, we are trying to work with the
city to try to solve that problem.
Mr. De Freitas: You have just spoken to the beginning of this entire problem with flooding.
Now, as much as the Ministry can put in culverts, put in grills, fix pumps, widen rivers, do what
it needs, unless the public understands that they have a part to play, then you would always need
more gangs to go and check the grills. I do not know if this is the responsibility of the Ministry
of Works and Transport, what type of education is going out there now to let the public know
when you litter there is a blowback, because your house could wash away. Is there any kind of
programme at the Ministry, or is that another Ministry that has to deal with that?
Mr. Gunness: I think, to answer your question simply, it may be outside of our purview in terms
of there is another Ministry responsible for that, but we do our best in terms of social media. So,
I think if you all follow the Facebook page those are things—we put out such campaigns in terms
of making the public aware that the dos and don’ts and their impact of basically errant littering
and dumping of refuse, right. Simply things like that actually make our work harder. I think there
are such posts on our Facebook page and social media.
Mr. De Freitas: And just one final question, this is more of an opinionated question. Do you
think that in relation to littering, it is really a function of the lack of disposal units? I do not want
to use the word “dustbin” because there are so many different, varieties but the lack of
disposable—disposal units, sorry, that people can properly dispose of their waste. So, let us just
use Port of Spain for example, if there were a lot of bins in Port of Spain at strategic locations,
and do you think people would use those bins as opposed to just dropping on the floor, or disposing
of tyres and all this other stuff in river ways and course ways?
Ms. Ramdath: Member, I would like to respond to your opinion. I do not know if you recall,
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you remember Charlie, I do not know, it may be before your time?

Mr. De Freitas: No, not before my time, I was a child. [Laughter] I remember Charlie, I just
could not remember the name, as you brought it up.
Ms. Ramdath: Right, and that was a nationwide campaign was it not? Yes. Did it help? So,
coming back to the initiatives, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago does recognize the
problems through all its Ministries, of the errant behaviour of the public, we, the public, and in
recognizing that us dumping, the impact of us dumping through, of course, what my esteemed
colleague identified, we have been trying with our public warnings, we have been trying with our
community stakeholders engagement, and I know you have not heard this morning from our
esteemed coastal, my colleague from coastal, but you would know that through our community
engagement, we do try to warn members of the public on the impact of the dumping and all the
debris. Because I would tell you, member, we spend millions of dollars trying to clean the
watercourses so that we would not have the national effect of flooding.
So, most of our—we share our studies with Town and Country Planning Division, and
they have used our studies in also granting approvals for land development. So I am going a little
into, I am deviating from your—of the dumping to also land development as well, which is also a
contributor to the flooding issues that face this country, and we have been engaging closely.
Coming back to the dumping, we have been working with the city corporations, we have been
working with the regional corporations, actually we have them in our phones, speed dial, to
actually go out. So, in terms of the Ministry of Works and Transport’s role, direct role, we may
not have a direct responsibility or role, but we do recognize that the impact of not having that role,
we have to clean it up at the end of the day. So, we work closely with all the agencies that have
that role to educate the public on the impact of dumping, and we are hoping that it does work.
Mr. De Freitas: You are right, and you see, what I was trying to get at or tease out, and that is
why I said it was more opinionated, you can educate on the impact of dumping, but if I changed
the four tyres on my car and you know that the tyre shop, they are not keeping the tyre, they are
putting it in the back of your trunk, then the question is: Where am I going to put this tyre, and
obviously nobody is keeping the tyre so what do they do?
They go and they dump it wherever they figure they could dump it, and that is why I was
asking the question, if it is that we need to think about, as a country, having more disposable units
so that when the tyre is changed I know that I can go to this big blue bin somewhere in Port of
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Spain, put my tyres in there, and it would be disposed of properly. And that is what I was talking
of, because I have seen this in the other countries where they have these big bins and you can
dump certain things in there and then somebody would come and take it, and obviously they would
recycle and whatnot, and recycling is a whole other different aspect of it. But, from your opinion
do you think we need more set disposable units? I am just using Port of Spain for now, so that
people know where to dump, and it could be treated with properly, and would that help along with
the education, to reduce the kind of garbage we see which is blocking our waterways?
Ms. Ramdath: So, we are talking about opinion here, right? I just want to point out that it is a
cultural change in the way we dump. Yes? So, let us start with that, changing the culture in the
way, as you indicated and you mentioned the example, okay, so the tyre shop is not taking back
my used tyres, the next step for me—so you see, your natural thinking, instead of considering the
damages that will happen if you burn your tyres. What will happen to the environment if you
dump it in the watercourses, what is going to happen? And that is why we engage, and the role
of dealing with this type of dumping and—it is the regional corporations as well as SWMCOL.
So, we do have entities that, and I know they have campaigns, they do have programmes
to, in their attempts, to change our behaviour. In terms of the trash bins and having—yes, I agree
with you that we can encourage our counterparts like the regional corporations and SWMCOL to
put more disposable bins for all different types of—and even make it readily available. It is not
just putting it there, but making it also readily available, because there are different types of ways
to dump different—like, for example, computers, you do not just dump, so there are different
ways. And, I would like to make mention that this country, we do have, and I do not know if the
public knows of it and if we know of it, but there is the Basel Convention Regional Centre that
deals with training in the Caribbean and Latin America, on disposal of hazardous chemicals and
all that. And they do a lot of programmes in training, in sort of like establishing policies that are
nationwide on deposal of hazardous waste, and that is an entity we have in this country, and I do
not see it being publicized enough. So they are also one of our stakeholders that we do engage in
when we speak to deposing of hazardous waste and all of that. I just wanted to share that with
you.
Mr. Chairman: I have allowed a lot of discussion on this aspect of it, I would just like to move
on to—there is one aspect that member Paray wants to bring up in terms of legislation, so that we
can get this included in our discussions today.
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Mr. Paray: Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Ms. Ramdath: Sorry, Chair, sorry.
Mr. Paray: That is okay. I just want to pose two quick questions, one to Mr. Ramsingh, and I
want to bring Mr. Sheppard into the conversation. In closing, the last comment that Mr. Ramsingh
spoke of in terms of run-off and the desire to have some of these run-offs within an hour, an hour
and a half of the flooding. Would the rate of the tide impact run-offs at the end of the day in Port
of Spain? Would that play a significant factor? Because if you are going to tell the public that,
look, we are going to put something in place, it is going to cost us, but we are going to give you a
guarantee that within an hour and a half your water will go, but your tidal function is within eight
and 12 hour cycles, would that be an issue? That is just one.
And, Mr. Sheppard, in terms of the responses that you gave, our question one, part 8,
which is on page 7 of your document, in the response it encompassed that there would be short,
medium and long-term measures to flood alleviation, and it indicated as a medium-term measure
the Ministry will use an erosion control programme. I want to get an idea of, in terms of it being
a medium-term programme, what it is, what it entails and the expected effectiveness of this
particular programme, and how you plan to roll out, or if it is in a roll out phase, as indicated in
the response. So, perhaps Mr. Ramsingh could just touch on the first one, and Mr. Sheppard could
continue.
Mr. Ramsingh: You are correct, and I did mention it earlier. The problem we have in Port of
Spain is when you have high tide and high intensity rainfall, and we have started the initiative
where a number of the culverts, the one by Broadway, we have constructed a gate and a pump
system. So how we deal with tide is really, you stop the tidal water from entering into Port of
Spain and we use pumps to pump it into the sea. So, we have started one project and that would
be commissioned soon, and we are looking in the medium term of trying to solve all seven culverts
that empty into the bay to see if we can put some kind of flap system and a pump system in there.
One of the solutions we are looking at is trying to get EMA approval to see if we could dam off a
section of the cove so that the water could run into that area, and from that area we pump it into
the sea. And we will also use that area as a garbage collection point where we would remove the
garbage and prevent it from entering into the sea. So, we have written and we are trying to get
approval for that project.
Mr. Sheppard: Okay, Mr. Vice-Chair. The medium programme, this is for flood alleviation.
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This is mainly the recurrence programme as we did in 2018 and ’19. We stated we had about 300
projects for desilting rivers. That is part of the medium-term programme. The 300 projects were
not 300 rivers throughout Trinidad. It is sections of the rivers, cleaning them as needed, required
by, based on the complaints, the community, our patrol men, the level of siltation and debris in
the rivers. Also, about 28, engaging contractors through the procurement agency or procurement
unit to build walls, pave parts of the rivers, to alleviate flooding and erosion control. With respect
to the coastline we have a comprehensive coastal protection programme implementing best
practices to, you know, the coastline is being destroyed by tidal effects, different coastal issues.
So we have this programme to repair, mainly hard engineering, revetment walls and some soft
engineering in that as mangrove and other issues to repair the coastline and protect our assets.
Mr. Paray: Yes, I know there is some work going on, on the south Cocos Bay area in terms of
that wall that is being built. I have had some complaints from a few residents who are on the north
Cocos Bay side. I know some people would have built their houses many, many years ago on that
little stretch right after the Manzanilla tourist resort, there are one or two particular retirees who
have had their homes there for 20, 30 years and, you know, they contact me all the time concerning
what is being done, what can be done. Is there any plan to do any work on that north Cocos Bay
area in terms of building of that wall to prevent further erosion along that section there, from by
the tourist resort come back, if you are coming back south along the Manzanilla coastline?
Mr. Sheppard: Okay, this project is in three phases. We have the Cocos Bay, south Cocos and
north Cocos. So, it is varying phases, in the next fiscal year we plan to tackle that area.
Mr. Paray: Okay. Deputy PS, I want to ask based on a response as well under our question 1,
section 5, which is on page 5 of your document. You stated:
Unauthorized private developments, backfilling, illegal diversion of watercourses and the
indiscriminate dumping of garbage contributed to the intensity of flooding which occurred
throughout the country in 2018, October.
My question is: Since 2018, what has the Ministry done, hard-core action, to address these two or
three items that you have identified? Taking into consideration that you have identified it, I am
sure that the Ministry must have taken some action since then to deal with it, and are you working
collaboratively with any other agency or Ministry to address those concerns?
Ms. Ramdath: In terms of hard core, Member, Vice-Chair, as we indicated in our last
submission, the Ministry of Works and Transport is addressing this legislatively, but you know
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with legislation we have to develop a policy. So there is a process, and that is a work in progress
right now with the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Mr. Paray: Any time frame in terms of what time frame you are looking at to have this ready?
Ms. Ramdath: We are hoping to have a policy be submitted to Cabinet around mid-2020. So,
that is the holistic. That is why I kept mentioning in all my statements, that while there are a lot
of functions that we are not—the Ministry of Works and Transport—directly responsible, hence
we talked about land development and the illegal activities that take place with land development.
We work closely with Town and Country Planning Division in actually assisting us in alleviating
that problem. It is a huge nationwide problem, and therefore it not just simply takes consultation.
We have many times—we actually meet with Town and Country Planning on a monthly basis at
all their committee meetings to discuss all the development plans that come to them for approval.
In doing so, Town and Country Planning Division ensures that the Drainage Division must be
consulted before they grant any approvals.
Mr. Paray: Let me ask you this quickly, right. I mean, you have been here, your Ministry has
been before this Committee on several occasions with similar things, and the conversation has
always been that there is some “toothlessness” in the legislation for you to really drive this thing.
I mean, I have been on this Committee since 2015, and we have spoken about that. Now, why is
there this “toothlessness” in dealing with these matters?
I mean, every day we are hearing about these illegal developments, illegal quarrying,
deforestation, and yet Ministries come before this Committee and we cry about lack of legislation,
weak legislation, I want to know specifically, what can we do as a Select Committee here, that is
going to write to Parliament, how do we put teeth into this? Because, I mean, and you know, the
sad part about it is that the people whose homes are being destroyed and washed away when these
floodings happen, I feel they have no legal recourse in terms of going against these developers
and so on that are operating illegally. I remember I even asked whether the State can step in and
take up the cost for homeowners who have to go against developers for operating illegally.
So, you know, one of your responses as well, concerning the different Acts and legislation
that is there, you responded that it may be beneficial to consolidate all of these things into one
comprehensive Act and give it the kind of teeth that is necessary to drive the change that we want.
Can you tell us why is this not happening? Is there a reason for it? Is it just a lack of will for it
to happen? Because, it is just too much cost on the citizen. It impacts them socially, economically,
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psychologically, and in four years I have seen or heard nothing in terms of dealing with this
comprehensively. I would like to get a response from you, what are we doing wrong as a country,
as a Legislature, as a legislative body? What can we do differently? Because, it has to be part of
the core report that we have to do, this Committee has to do to move forward in determining
culture and behaviour and so on.
Ms. Ramdath: I thank you, Vice-Chair, and I hear your passion, and I agree with you. But in
developing the teeth as you say, because you mentioned toothless, so in developing the teeth, it is
a coordinated approach that we have to undertake, because the remit of the Ministry of Works and
Transport is limited, but we have enforceable legislations, hence the reason I mentioned that we
have to consult closely with Town and Country Planning Division, with the regional corporations.
They have the enforceable legislation that they can go and enforce, and actually deal with the
illegal developments. One of the challenges that Town and Country Planning Division faces, is
that not every developer comes to Town and Country Planning, and that is why I am going back.
It is a coordinated approach.
Mr. Paray: Where do they go? Where do they go if not Town and Country?
Ms. Ramdath: That is it, [Laughter] hence the reason legislatively the enforcement lies with the
regional corporations as well as the Town and Country Planning Division regarding the land
development and legal or illegal land development. I want to just go into a little more detail,
because I hear your passion and I myself share your passion.
Mr. Paray: Coming from Mayaro, Mafeking, dealing with this four times in one year.
Ms. Ramdath: Yes, and then as you shared, the contributing factor to coastal erosion and not
just simply climate change alone, you know, it is the way we build, the way we develop, and it is
a challenge, Vice-Chair, for us as well in the Ministry of Works and Transport, and I just passed
on to my esteemed colleague next to me here, who has been embedded in our development section
in the Drainage Division, and he will go into a little more detail to, maybe, I am hoping that would
alleviate some of your fears that you have outlined soon. Right? Thank you.
Mr. Gunness: Good morning, again, Vice-Chairman. Now, when we speak about developments,
there is a process by which developments get approved. Developments must go to Town and
Country, the applicant must submit that information. So, when we say illegal developments, out
of the conditions that are outlined by Town and Country Planning Division, highlights for
drainage, it highlights for highways for their relevant approvals. So, when we say actionable
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items, in terms of that, when we look at an illegal development there is no real action that can take
place until certain things are done. It could be reported. Yes, it can be reported to Town and
Country as well as the regional corporation who would then stop these works. So, what I am
saying is that there is a certain procedure by which these developments must conform to at the
end of the day. So I believe that is it. Thank you.
Mr. Chairman: Okay, time goes fast. Time goes very quickly. We have to wrap up. Now,
there was one particular matter that I wanted to raise, but time does not allow me to do so in detail,
but I will still like to bring it to the attention of your technical team. We spend hundreds of
millions of dollars every year in desilting. In fact, over the last—desilting seems to be one of the
major projects with regard to flood alleviation, a lot of effort goes into desilting, but the actual
practice and the methodology utilised in desilting, I would like to refer for you all for reference,
there is an article in the Journal of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and
Tobago, Volume 42, No. 2, October 2014; “An Assessment of River Maintenance Practices in
Trinidad and Tobago” by Pramenath Narinesingh, in that he has taken an in-depth look at the
practice of desilting and the methodology of desilting that is popularly used by the Ministry of
Works, particularly the Drainage Division, and I would like to refer you to that article because it
is very instructional, because some of the practices in desilting, like, for instance, taking the
material that we scope out, building the embankment with it, it is not suitable in some cases. It
washes back into the river and all of those things. He goes into detail, and it is quite a good fact-
finding exercise that I would like to refer the Ministry of Works and Transport, particularly the
Drainage Division to, to have a look at.
12.00 noon
And he has recommended in this article, the term really is “fluvial geomorphology.” And
it is really an integrated approach to the whole practice and I think that is the direction that we are
heading in with sustainable development. In that, other than engineering, we are talking about an
integration of many disciplines, including hydrology, hydraulics, sediment transport, ecology,
botany, geology, river engineering and geotechnical engineering, which, again, we come back to
that whole holistic approach. So I will direct you to that particular article so that it reflects a lot
of my views in terms of, particularly, desilting and some of the directions we need to take.
Secondly, in terms of the importance of gates and pumps and all of those things, and it is
just that I was wondering, probably it is there, but in terms of automation, because sometimes you
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read in the media they could not find the guy to turn on a pump; he was somewhere liming or
something or he is on duty or something. And the guy would not come and turn on the pump
because of these human factors. And with technology, if we can move away as much from these
human difficult-to-manage situations. I mean, of course, the whole system of automation of all of
these pumps and gates and everything, cameras, CCTV, everything—I mean, you could stay in
the office in Port of Spain and control all of these things provided that it is well-maintained. But
I am sure that is on your agenda and probably you did not mention it in much detail. Just a
reminder, in terms of the written information that you all have undertaken to submit to the
Committee.
So, I would like to thank you all for the open discussion we have had combined with your
responses to our questions which, again, I thank you all for the effort. I mean, based on the
responses, you did treat our questions with respect and your responses we have gotten—reflects
a lot of hard work went into it. I am sure it is difficult when you have so many other things to do.
The Committee appreciates the work of the Ministry of Works and Transport, so we would like
to thank you all very much for attending this enquiry.
I would like to extend thanks to the members of the Committee. Unfortunately, quite a
few of the members are not here today, but I think we still had a full and fruitful discussion. I
would like to thank our viewing and listening public and just too also mention, that we had some
comments coming in through the facebook and one of them is, they said there were areas going
into Gasparillo and Whiteland that were severely flooded on Sunday afternoon during the heavy
rainfall. If you could just make a note and they wanted to know if there are any plans from the
Ministry regarding this area. That is Gasparillo and Whiteland.
Before I ask for any closing remarks, sorry, I also would like to thank our Secretary, Mrs.
Angelique Massiah. She is the Secretary to the Committee and the members of the staff of the
Parliament; support staff for the Committee. So, closing remarks from Ms. Ramdath.
Ms. Ramdath: Before I start I would like to speak to the Gasparillo and to the member of the
public who is listening attentively and I am grateful to hear that the public is also listening. We
are investigating that right now and like everything else, you know, we just cannot rush in and
get something in. We have to investigate. So right now actually we are looking at that area as
we speak. So I should be getting a report soon on that.
In closing, I will be very short. I always enjoy these sessions because I agree with you,
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Chair, we do work hard. I have esteemed colleagues who are experts in their area of engineering,
as well as we have our work supervisors who are out there supervising our works. We do have
hard-working personnel in the Ministry of Works and Transport and I want to publicly thank
them. We would not be able to address everything and that is why I say I enjoy these sessions
that we do have and the dialogues that we have. Because while we try to attempt to address
everything, as I said we are unable to address everything. So, I want to thank, Chair, Vice Chair,
members for your valuable contribution to the way we do our business for the benefit of the
country. Thank you.
Mr. Chairman: Okay. I would just like to remind members, our next meeting is scheduled for
Tuesday November 26, 2019 where we would continue this enquiry into flood alleviation by
meeting with other stakeholders. This meeting is adjourned.
12.06 p.m.: Meeting adjourned.
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APPENDIX V
229
UNREVISED VERBATIM NOTES OF THE FORTY-SEVENTH MEETING OF

THE JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO INQUIRE INTO AND
REPORT ON LAND AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE HELD IN THE
A.N.R. ROBINSON MEETING ROOM (EAST), LEVEL 9, TOWER D, OFFICE
OF THE PARLIAMENT, PORT OF SPAIN INTERNATIONAL WATERFRONT
CENTRE, #1A WRIGHTSON ROAD, PORT OF SPAIN, ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 26, 2019 AT 10.30 A.M.
PRESENT
Ms. Kimberly Mitchell Assistant Secretary
EXCUSED
ABSENT
MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Ms. Desdra Bascombe Permanent Secretary
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Mr. Ashmead Mohammed Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Hinni Maraj Technical Officer (Ag.)
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC UTILITIES

Ms. Nicolette Duke Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Ms. Beverly Khan Deputy Permanent Secretary
Mr. David Manswell General Manager, Communications,
Sales, Marketing, SWMCOL
Mr. Kenneth Kerr Chief Climatologist (Ag.) MET Services
Mr. Rajendra Gosein Head, Water Resources Agency
MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Ms. Marie Hinds Director (Ag.), Town Country and
Planning Division
Ms. Camille Guichard Assistant Director (Ag.), Town and

Country Planning Division
DIVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE, QUARRIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

TOBAGO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY (THA)
Councillor Kwesi Des Vignes Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and

the Environment and Leader of Assembly
Business
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Mr. Ritchie Toppin Administrator
Mr. Abdallah Chadband Senior Technical Coordinator
Mr. Howard Dobin Climate Change Specialist
DEAN, FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES (UWI)

Mr. Chairman: Good morning to everyone, and I would like to welcome those who are present
here as well as the viewing and listening audience to this the 47th Meeting of the Joint Select
Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure pursuant to an inquiry into flood alleviation and
control measures in major river basins and drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago. Just a
couple of reminders, please, regarding your cell phones, if you can please turn them off or place
them on silent or vibrate. I would also like to indicate that this hearing is being broadcast live on
Parliament Channel 11, Parliament radio 105.5 FM and the Parliament’s YouTube channel,
ParlView. I would like to inform members of the viewing and listening audience that you can
send in your comments via email to parl101@ttparliament.org or our Facebook page at
Facebook.com/ttparliament or on Twitter @ttparliament.
I would like to welcome the officials of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Ministry of
Planning and Development, Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, Division of
Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment of the Tobago House of Assembly and the Faculty
of Engineering UWI St. Augustine.
Please, I would just like to extend an apology to all of you. It is a bit cramped this morning
because we have been shifted from the J. Hamilton Maurice Room where we would normally
meet, to this venue, due to the room being used for other purposes. So, if you please, bear with us
and work along with us regarding this inquiry. Let me introduce myself. I am Deoroop Teemal, I
am the Chairman of this Joint Select Committee and I would invite other members to introduce
themselves at this time.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you members. I would just like to remind everyone of the objectives of
this particular inquiry. We have three overarching objectives:
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(1) To examine the current policies and measures for flood alleviation and control
measures for major river basins and drainage catchments.
(2) To examine the effectiveness of policies and initiatives for flood alleviation and
control measures.
(3) To determine the challenges associated with flood alleviation and control.
So at this time I would like to invite all officials who are gathered here this morning at our
invitation to introduce yourselves, and ask each entity for brief opening remarks, brief opening
comments. So we can start with Ministry of Public Utilities.
Mr. Chairman: Okay, thank you. We will start with the Ministry of Public Utilities, in terms
of opening remarks.
Ms. Duke: Good morning, Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members. The Ministry of Public
Utilities welcomes this opportunity to discuss and share with the national community how the
Ministry engages its role in the collaborative effort to address this very important issue. Agencies
under the Ministry’s remit, in particular the Water Resources Agency of the Water and Sewerage
Authority, the Meteorological Services Division and the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste
Management Company, SWMCOL, execute critical responsibilities throughout the flood
alleviation and control cycle, from prevention and preparedness, response and mitigation to
rehabilitation and recovery. The Water Resources Agency is charged with the responsibility for
management of the country’s water resources which includes the monitoring of rainfall, surface
water and ground water systems. The agency has a real-time monitoring system that comprises
rainfall and stream flow stations. Data from this system is provided to organizations such as the
MET services and the ODPM for consideration in the issuance of alert and warnings. The WRA
is currently implementing two programmes geared towards flood alleviation. The first is the
Adopt a River programme which is an integrated water resources management initiative that
actively engages the participation of a range of stakeholders including regional corporations,
academic institutions, community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations
throughout Trinidad and Tobago, in the protection and management of the nation’s watersheds
and rivers.
The second programme geared towards flood alleviation is the Community Flood Early
Warning System which is being implemented by the WRA in partnership with the Ministry of
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Rural Development and Local Government and the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society. This
effort is intended to reduce the vulnerability of communities that are susceptible to flooding by
providing real, near real-time information on rising water levels, using a web-based data and
notification portal. It should be noted that this application is in the beta phase and once completed
will provide near real-time rainfall data, river levels and reservoir information.
The information would be shared with the respective municipal and regional corporations
and other key stakeholders such as the ODPM and the Met services, the Drainage and Highways
Division of the Ministry of Works and Transport and community groups. These entities will be
trained in how to analyze and interpret the data and how to respond based on the level of alert.
As the agency with responsibility to provide early warnings which are used to initiate
flood preparedness, the Meteorological Services Division started in 2015, operationalized and
National Climate Outlook Forum or NCOF, which is provided ahead of wet seasons to shift the
actions of key stakeholders from one of response to preparedness. The NCOF is an international
best practice of the Global Framework for Climate Services and brings together the Met services
and key agencies such as the Drainage Division, the WRA, WASA, ODPM, the Tobago
Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and the Disaster Management Units of the regional
and municipal corporations.
It should also be noted that the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company
Limited continues to successfully partner with civil society and the private sector to implement a
number of public education programmes. These programmes are aimed at reducing the impacts
of flooding by raising environmental awareness to reduce littering and eradicate waste from
communities. Additionally, SWMCOL closely monitors the pre-warning flood alerts and prepares
the landfills to receive post flood debris if significant flooding is predicted.
The Ministry of Public Utilities therefore looks forward to today’s conversation and the
recommendations of the Committee and the other partners and stakeholders gathered here today,
to foster increased collaboration and generate additional suggestions for successfully meeting the
challenges posed for flood alleviation and mitigation in the country.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Duke. Before we go to the other entities, I would just like to
kindly request that—what happened, we have your detailed responses to our questions and a lot
of the information that you would probably look to provide in the opening comments would have
been covered already in some of the written responses. So in the interest of time, because we do
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have limited time, is that if you keep your opening remarks as brief as possible so that it allows
us a lot more time for interaction. So, questions from members of the Committee. So Ministry of
Planning and Development.
Ms. Deoraj: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members, and for the opportunity to appear before
the Joint Select Committee today, on of course Land and Physical Infrastructure. We are happy
to assist you in this inquiry into flood alleviation and control measures for major rivers, basins
and drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago. As you know, the Ministry of Planning and
Development is responsible for the National Development Strategy, Vision 2030, and “Placing
the Environment at the Centre of Social and Economic Development” is one of our primary
objectives. And to effect this initiative there is of course the Environmental Management and
several other entities within the Ministry of Planning and Development. But one of our key
agencies that would be responsible for this is the Town and Country Planning Division which
derives its mandate from the Town and Country Planning Act, Chap. 35:01. This division has
responsibility on behalf of the Minister of Planning and Development to guide:
“…the orderly and progressive development of land in both urban and rural
areas and to preserve and improve the amenities thereof;”
The Planning and Facilitation of Development Act, 2018, when fully proclaimed will cause Chap.
35:01 to be repealed. The Ministry of Planning and Development and the Town and the Country
Planning Division are conscious of the potential impacts of flooding and various communities in
Trinidad and Tobago and has been working with several of its development partners to implement
policies and standards to be able to guide the development of the built infrastructure of Trinidad
and Tobago.
One of the key initiatives that the Ministry of Planning and Development has undertaken,
is that of the construction permitting process which is an automated-based initiative which will
allow for us to guide the development of applicants in terms of the infrastructure and where and
where not to construct built infrastructure. Among other things, the project is also intended to
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Town and Country Planning Division and will
automate the processes for the submission of applications.
We also, with the passage of the local government reform, this activity will also be shared
with and effected by the local government entities. The Division looks forward to the potential
enhancement of the process, development, planning, control and management to the full
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proclamation of the Planning and Facilitation of Development Act of 2014, the passage of the
Urban and Regional Planning Profession Bill and of course the ultimate devolution of land use
planning functions through the municipal corporations.
The role of interagency coordination is critical for us to address the issue of flooding and
land regulation and we hope that this process today will even heighten that important agenda.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
11.10 a.m.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government.
Ms. Bascombe: Good morning. Thank you Chair, Vice-Chair and members of the Committee.
Thank you very much for allowing us the opportunity to discuss such an important issue, flood
alleviation, which impacts our society, social, economic and psychological. Flooding is
everybody’s business, and we cannot as a Ministry view it as business as usual, but as business
unusual. Meaning that we need to devise new strategies in order to alleviate some of the problems
our citizens are facing.
At the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government together with the fourteen
municipal corporations, we have spent millions of dollars completing a number of projects under
our drainage and irrigation programme. We have also seen an increase in our allocations for fiscal
2019/2020.
Flood alleviation, ladies and gentlemen, needs a whole of Government approach and a
whole of society approach. No one agency can do it alone. Last Tuesday we heard about the
wonderful work being done by the Ministry of Works and Transport, and I am pleased that we
have assembled a number of the stakeholders here today, so we can have our own list on speed
dial. We will do a list when we have finished. Because climate change is ensuring that there is
high intensity rainfall in a short period, so obviously as Ministries and Departments we have to
do things differently. Whether we at our Ministry are looking at legislation and enforcement of
legislation, culture change, education and awareness building, provision of facilities such as
dustbins within the city, we need to do things differently. Thank you again, ladies and gentlemen.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Bascombe. The Tobago House of Assembly.
Mr. Des Vignes: Thank you very much, hon. Chair. I recognize I may be the thorn among the
roses in here now, as the only politician among the honourable public servants. However, I am
pleased to represent the Tobago House of Assembly. Of course the Division of Infrastructure,
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Quarries and the Environment, under a new mandate in 2017 it is the first time we saw that the
Department of Environment was paired with the Department of Infrastructure, and it was out of
the recognition that we have to do things differently as our colleague would have said previously,
business as unusual.
To that extent we would have set about for the first time establishing a Coastal Zone
Management Unit under the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment. We would
have also established a drainage task force out of the recognition that we need to do things
differently as regards our drainage network on the island.
We would have established and continued to work with the Tobago Infrastructure
Development Committee and the Tobago Disaster Management Committee. All of this is out of
an abundance of caution firstly, and out of a recognition that we have a responsibility to the people
of Tobago to provide policy oversight and, of course, the necessary support as we deal with the
impact of climate change.
We look at the reality of increased rainfall as was mentioned before. During the passage
of tropical storm Karen we would have received over a 20-hour period two-thirds of the 30-year
average for the month of September, during that 20-hour period. So it means that we have real
challenges that are greater than just one unit, and as such we recognize the importance of
collaboration with multiple stakeholders through all sectors of society, civil society and, of
course, the business sector, as we seek to deal with some of the challenges that we face.
To that end as well we have realized that we cannot continue with grey engineering
solutions only, but we have also implemented green solutions such as our reafforestation
programmes, a deliberate attempt to reduce our carbon footprint, wetland management or co-
management and rehabilitation, and greater policing of illegal mining and land clearance.
The Tobago House of Assembly is very grateful for this opportunity to sit here as we
discuss the way forward, and I am sure that at the end of this session we can definitely see a path
forward that can benefit, not only the people of Trinidad and Tobago, but of course the people of
Tobago specifically, because we recognize that we cannot be insular in our approach, and we
must collaborate to benefit each and every person in Trinidad and Tobago. Thank you very much.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Des Vignes. Mr. Cooper.
Mr. Cooper: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The UWI is grateful for this invitation to participate in
working with other stakeholders to develop flood resilience within the country. The Civil and
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Engineering Department’s particular role is in training professionals in hydrologic and hydraulic

modelling for developing predictive tools that can be used for designing systems for flood
mitigation. We, however, are fully aware that such is but a part of the requirements for building
flood resilience, and that inputs and information from other disciplines are needed. Such
professionals are available in other departments of the university, and I am sure that they will be
very willing to contribute to solving this national problem.
I also want to add that an important component is the education of the public in so far as
for informing them of expectations in the near future, advising them on how to prepare and letting
them know of their role in minimizing adverse consequences due to flooding.
Lastly, but not of least importance, the problem cannot be adequately tackled without
physical and hydro meteorological data of sound quality and freely available to the public. So
efforts should be made to ensure that the agencies responsible for the required data are supplied
with adequate resources.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Dr. Cooper. I would just like those of you who are seated in the
second and third rows when you are speaking for the purposes of the Hansard, we would like you
to mention your name first and then do your talking, for the second and third rows, otherwise for
those at the front it is okay to just start and continue.
I would just like to get the ball rolling in terms of clearly the Ministry of Planning and
Development. In your responses to us, what we are gathering is that as part of the Vision 2030
National Development Strategy for 2016/2030, under the theme, Improving Productivity through
Quality Infrastructure and Transportation, there is reference made to the development of an
integrated flood management plan. Particularly, the strategy is to maintain or augment the
productivity of floodplains by providing protective measures against losses due to flooding. In
this regard of the integrated flood management plan, I would just like to ask specifically, where
are we with this, one, and who is taking the lead role in this integrated flood management plan?
Which entity is the leading agency in this regard?
Ms. Deoraj: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes the issue of flood mitigation is part of the Vision 2030,
and we have been in discussions with a number of agencies for different components of it.
Unfortunately I cannot say that we are taking the direct lead in terms of the whole plan. But the
Drainage Division will deal with the actual physical infrastructure, but we have also been working
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with several of the other entities to deal with regional issues. For example, we have just started
an initiative with one of regional corporations, and we have also been working on the
environmental aspect. With the environmental issues as it relates to forestry and managing of the
beverage containers and the plastics. So there are a number of interventions in terms of when you
look at an integrated water management plan. But we have no one agency that is going to be
dealing with all of the components. So it is really about all of the different entities handling it.
The Ministry of Planning and Development continues to take the overarching responsibility to
monitor the implementation of all the different components of this integrated plan.
Mr. Chairman: In terms of it all coming together, definitely you are looking at somebody
saying, yes, this is our responsibility, we are taking charge of it. Setting up the necessary project
teams and whatever, and coordinating with all the agencies in terms of meeting regularly and all
of that. Is the Ministry of Planning and Development taking up such—
Ms. Deoraj: That is our responsibility.
Mr. Chairman: That is your responsibility?
Ms. Deoraj: Yes, and it is normally handled at the level of the policy agenda as well as the
budgeting for it under the Public Sector Investment Programme. So we would have sight of all
the different initiatives and condense it as to whether we are, in fact, achieving the flood
alleviation agenda. So yes, that is really our role as the Ministry of Planning and Development.
Mr. Chairman: Could I ask, is there a specific unit within your Ministry or a specific project
team? Do you have that set up per se?
Ms. Deoraj: No we do not have that set up. It is really handled at the level of our policy, our
budgeting and, of course, our Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, looking at the implementation of
the National Development Strategy. But we take your recommendation.
Mr. Chairman: My thoughts are that something as—I mean, if you are the lead entity and you
are coordinating with so many other Ministries and agencies, and this is to be the overarching
flood management plan per se, to look at not only mitigation, but alleviation and all other aspects
of the storm water management. If you are thinking about going to that stage, if it is within your
budget and things like that.
Ms. Deoraj: It is something we had not planned for but we will take it under advisement, and
we will work towards that. I see the value of that.
Mr. De Freitas: Mr. Chair, thank you. Good morning again. So last week we had the Ministry
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of Works and Transport in here in relation to the same enquiry, and we heard of plans that they
have. Now let me just put out there what the end goal of all of this is. In relation to the plan, it
is probably in there. So the idea behind it in terms of executing is that we have the data in relation
to rainfall as it is coming. We know where all the watercourses are and the corresponding
floodplains. We are aware of all of the communities that would fall into those floodplains. There
is warning that goes out, as spoken to by the Ministry of Public Utilities, and the corresponding
communities would take the necessary precautions to reduce any damage that may occur in
relation to that flooding. And you go even further to have your alleviation methods put in place.
So we heard from the Ministry of Works and Transport what they are doing. So they are
doing a GIS map identifying all of the water courses in Trinidad and Tobago and the
corresponding floodplains. I am also hearing of the web-based app that is the beta stage from
Ministry of Public Utilities, and I am wondering if all of this is in conjunction, as the Chairman
alluded to, with each other. So have you spoken to Ministry of Works and Transport and the
models that they are building in order to feed that into your app, or did you collect data separately?
Ms. Duke: Member, as I would have indicated before, we are speaking with a number of
stakeholders, the Drainage and Highways Division being just one of them. We also are speaking
with the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government. So we have taking all of that
data to feed into our portal. So that we have accurate data and data that makes sense to, as you
say, inform the public and give them the opportunity to take those mitigating measures in the case
of an event.
Mr. De Freitas: So the reason I asked that question is that the Ministry of Works and Transport
indicated that they were not ready, and that the models they are trying to build out, the GIS
mapping and what not, has to be upgraded because what we have now is relatively old and,
obviously, climate change is a factor that is being played out. So those models have to be updated.
So when you are talking about a beta tested Web app, that is where I am asking about that
information. Because one of the questions we asked them specifically was the upgrading of that
data, to which they indicated yes they are in that process. So that they would have that updated
map, because the floodplains are going to change. It is not going to be the same floodplains as
50 years ago. So as much as you are working with other entities now, the question arises how
accurate is your data, if they are doing something that is trying to update that now, and they are
not ready to actually put forward that map.
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Ms. Duke: Member, perhaps I could ask the WRA to give you a bit more information concerning
how that portal is actually being developed, and that may help.
Mr. Meade: Thank you very much, Keith Meade, Senior Manager, Water Resources Agency.
The portal was developed actually in-house. It is in the testing stages, as our PS mentioned. It
was actually developed because we were looking for some software that could meet the needs of
presenting the data that we were collecting, which is data on rainfall and stream flow, to make
that data readily available to our stakeholders, and to make that data available in a timely manner
so that the necessary responses could be put in place in a timely manner.
We did not find anything that was suitable for us, and so we did that in-house. So we are
testing it at the moment. We have provided the site to various stakeholders such as our main
partner in the process, which is the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, and
DMUs, also to the Drainage Division and also the University of the West Indies and several other
stakeholders. So that they can look at it and let us know whether it meets their needs or what
changes we need to make. So it is actually a work in progress which we hope to have completed
within the next two to three months, have it finalized and available to the other stakeholders.
Mr. Chairman: For the benefit of the viewing public, could you probably just explain in a little
more detail when you say it is in the beta phase what you mean?
Mr. Meade: That is to say that we are actually testing it to ensure that it works well. That there
are no issues with it. That the information that is being transmitted is actually, as was mentioned
by UWI, reliable information, and that information can, in fact, be used by the various response
entities in order to respond, and the community members also.
So basically what it displays actually is an information display system. It provides you
with information on the rainfall and also the levels of the streams that are in various areas. So
what we are hoping to do, and as I mentioned before, work together with the Ministry of Rural
Development and Local Government, who is our major partner, is to equip each regional
corporation, that is the municipal corporations, each of them with information from their
particular areas on rainfall and stream flow that they can use, so that the citizens could be warned
if there is a possible flood, and so that they could take the next actions to mitigate that.
Mr. De Freitas: Could I just ask through you, Mr. Chair. I like the fact that you could do the
rainfall and the stream flow and sort of predict the possibility of a flood. Is your app able to tell
exactly how large the floodplain would be, which is something different? Rainfall is fine, height
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of the water in the river is fine, but there is something called a “floodplain”, which is, the water
breaks banks and it spreads. Does your app take into account for that?
Mr. Meade: Well this is another component of the project. We have been doing this work at the
Water Resources Agency for quite some years now, and that is every time a flood occurs we try
to map the extent of that flood, and also to collect the information on the rainfall that resulted in
that particular flood. So what we do is that every year when a particular area floods, we would
map that area. We have instruments there and we would map the height of the flood waters. That
is placed on a map, and that is used—well, whenever another flood occurs, compare the rainfall
and have some idea as to the extent that this particular flood would be.
Mr. De Freitas: That is actually very good, because then you are able to build out your predictive
models going forward. So then were you aware at all that the Ministry of Works and Transport
was trying to do something similar?
Mr. Meade: No, we are not aware of that.
Mr. De Freitas: And that leads back to my first question, because I am looking at the
duplications. All trying to get to the same end goal, but I am wondering if there is some
duplication, because if the Ministry is trying to do a GIS map of Trinidad and Tobago, it sounds
to me that you already have a lot of the data that they might be looking for to put into that map
and what not. I wanted to make you aware that even though we are trying to get to a particular
end goal, in terms of the execution of preventative measures when floods happen, that there may
be some duplication taking place between agencies in terms of collecting data and what you are
trying to build.
Mr. Mark: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good morning to all. Before I ask my specific question, I just
want to follow up on what my colleague, Mr. De Freitas referenced a short while ago. Mr.
Chairman I believe that maybe one of the recommendations very early, that we should consider,
based on what has transpired, is the need for some kind of coordination among these various
agencies and authorities to avoid exactly what Mr. De Freitas has said—unnecessary duplication,
because there is no coordination that is existing or even taking place in the way that it ought to. I
just wanted to make that point very early.
I want to address a question to the Ministry of Planning and Development—that is the
agency that is responsible, that is the Town and Country Planning. I am dealing with the Ministry
of Planning and Development. I would like to ask the following: We observed in your
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observation where you spoke to the issue of planning permission is granted for development
subject to a number of conditions, and you proceeded to outline some of those conditions: design
and insulation of infrastructure, design and layout of drainage, design and layout of devices for
prevention and protection against fire, among others. Could you share with this Committee which
entity evaluates developments to determine if conditions are met? Is it the Town and Country
Planning Division?
Ms. Deoraj: Thank you, member. Yes, the more comprehensive response would be provided
by the Director of Town and Country, but the process is that an applicant would come in to the
Ministry of Planning and Development with their application for a construction/building, and the
response of the Town and Country Planning based on the information that we would gather from
the field work and from information that we would have about the particular site, there would be
conditional—what we call conditions of the approval process.
The Town and Country Planning does not give the final approval. This is now taken when
the applicant is given the permission, it goes to the other entities which would be including the
local government authorities. But sometimes, as in the case if it is in a flood prone area or an area
that is high risk, the Ministry of Works and Transport is also included in terms of one of the
conditions, in terms of drainage and drainage advice. So I pass on to the Director of Town and
Country Planning.
Ms. Hinds: Good morning again. So, the PS was accurate, the process would start with the Town
and Country Planning Division, and as you are aware we would determine on land use. After we
approve something and we subject it to conditions, it is our way of saying that the expertise for
that particular thing does not reside with us, and we then refer you to the particular agency division
unit that has that expertise. So we would give the example of Drainage Division. So when we
condition that the developer gets the approval from Drainage Division, they would then take their
plans to the Drainage Division and ensure that they follow the recommendations given by the
Drainage Division. They may have proposed recommendations and then the Drainage Division
would assess those recommendations.
It is important to realize in terms of the entire process, that at the end of the day, the
relevant regional corporation or municipality would not give a completion certificate until
everything is done exactly the way that it has been conditioned. So, that is just an idea of what
the process entails.
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Mr. Mark: But who in the final analysis or which agency in the final analysis would determine
whether all the conditions have been met, even though you have to go to different agencies for
approval? Which agency would have the overarching final responsibility to sign off and give
ultimate approval for the overall permission for development?
Ms. Hinds: That would be the responsibility of the relevant regional corporation or municipality;
they have the final say. That is why it is called a “final construction permit”. It is a permit that
you get only at the end of the entire process.
Mr. Mark: So it does not come back to Town and Country Planning.
Ms. Hinds: No, it does not.
Mr. Mark: It goes to—
Ms. Hinds: Yes, that is correct.
Mr. Mark: Let me just ask another question, Mr. Chairman. We have had a lot of flooding in
this country as you are well aware, brought about by indiscriminate dumping, unplanned
development. You made reference in your submission, that is the Ministry, to a National Hillside
Development Policy that is being considered by the Ministry. Could you provide this Committee
with a status report or position on this National Hillside Development Policy? Where are we with
that policy?
Ms. Hinds: May I?
Mr. Mark: Yes, and as you are on that point because it is a very straightforward one, you may
want to look at answering this one as well. In this policy, given its status, is consideration being
given to addressing issues of deforestation and slash and burn in this? You know this slash and
burn that we have taking place on the hillsides, would that be taken into account in this National
Hillside Policy?
Ms. Hinds: With regard to the status of the Hillside Policy, we did some additional work. So,
years ago we did have a hillside policy, but it was the Northern Range Hillside Policy. We are
currently, that is the Division, revising the document. We have done some work and it is before
the Executive for consideration, because now we want to provide a document that is not only
focused on the Northern Range but on the entire country. So it is under revision, let us just say.
It is being considered by our Executive, that is the status of it.
With regard to the issue of slash and burn, it does not necessarily fall under our purview,
because that is a matter for Forestry Division, and in some cases maybe even the Ministry of
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Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and the Commissioner of State Lands, depending on where
such activities are taking place. But because we do collaborate with our sister agencies, they
provide us with data about particular areas that are especially sensitive, and having provided us
with that, then our recommendations would differ depending on the particular local area. So,
there might be a general hillside policy, but we are very specific when it comes to each relevant
area. The standards would change accordingly and appropriately.
11.40 a.m.
Mr. Mark: Can you tell this Committee how long this national hillside development policy was
submitted to the executive?
Ms. Hinds: Please, forgive me, I will have to be flapping through notes at this point in time to
be able to do so, but before the end of this submission I will be able to tell you that.
Mr. Mark: Do you anticipate—is this policy—are you recommending that this policy be put out
for public comment so that the various stakeholders would have an input before it becomes final
policy? Is that part of the submission?
Ms. Hinds: That is exactly how we did the first policy first time around. All of our sister agencies
first came together and crafted the policy. In my opinion, it was a pretty good document, and
then we put it out there, and I see no reason why we would not consider using the same process
this time around.
Mr. Chairman: Member Paray.
Mr. Paray: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Again, good morning everyone and thank
you very much for the submissions that you all made. I understand flooding in terms of being in
a constituency that has been consistently ravaged by floods since 2016. And the question that my
constituents ask is, why does it continue to happen? And from my understanding that there are
two parts to it, you know, you have the part that we can control, and then there is the part we
cannot control. So the climate change issue, the rainfall intensity issue, those things, I think, we
have a little less control, but the parts that we can control in terms of our issues around planning,
our developments, hillsides, quarrying, deforestation, all those things we have some control over
it.
In the response from the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, the first
question or the first comment that I want to bring to your attention in your submission, you
indicated that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Planning and Development to ensure that
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the Town and Country Planning Division Act is adhered to in the approval process of
developments, and that these developments are made to facilitate adequate drainage, size of
drains, retention system, et cetera. But that is in, I would say, a sharp contrast to what Ms. Hinds
has now said, where she has indicated that the final authority lies in the Ministry of Rural
Development and Local Government, by extension the municipal corporations.
Is that in terms of your response, is it a case of trapping and passing that responsibility?
Because, if the municipal corporations are not doing the control part or the enforcement part, how
would we start working towards dealing with controlling what is happening? And clearly,
between the Ministry and then—sorry, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government
and planning, there seems to be some disconnect as to who has that responsibility.
So the question is to Ms. Bascombe: I know that municipal corporations have that final
responsibility. Why is it not happening? And every month, every two months you see something
in the newspaper about an unplanned development, another illegal quarry shutting down
somewhere. Why is the enforcement not happening at this time?
Ms. Bascombe: Vice-Chair, you have identified a critical responsibility of the municipal
corporations. As part of my team here this morning, both of my Deputy PSs were actually CEOs
at several corporations. So I would ask Mr. Jameel Chadee Ameeral to give you a real life version
of what actually happens in a corporation. Jameel.
Mr. Ameeral: Pleasant good morning, Jameel Chadee Ameeral, Acting Deputy Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government. Mr. Chairman, I would have
examined the response that was submitted to this Committee. And the response was submitted
in April of this year, and I am not really comfortable having read this response which indicates to
suggest to the Committee, that the facility for—these developments are made to facilitate
adequate drainage, adequate sizing of drains, retention systems and detention systems, et cetera.
So I would want to probably try and see if I could correct the record here now to be consistent
with that of Town and Country Planning Division and the member, the Vice-Chairman.
So, in fact, the regional corporations are the final approval agency through its local
authority which is defined as the council of a corporation. However, upon approval for full
planning permission, Town and Country Planning Division will usually indicate conditions which
require fire, drainage, WASA and so on approval, of which drainage is one of the approvals,
design drainage approval is required from the Ministry of Works and Transport Drainage
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Division.
Having received the approval for design drainage, the corporation or the municipality will,
in fact, convey their approval subject to other approvals from other statutory agencies, and it will
be the responsibility of the Drainage Division to monitor, because they are at the end of the
development, they will be required to submit to the developer a document or a letter indicating
that they have satisfied the requirements of their drainage design approval granted. And having
received that approval from the, or that letter from the Ministry of Works and Transport Drainage
Division, the corporation will usually accept that.
The corporation will do inspections during the period of development and make their
observations, and probably bring it to the attention of the Drainage Division and the developer, if
they identified that there are some shortcomings with respect to the drainage design and what is
actually being constructed.
So I take the point that we are, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government
through its municipal corporations and regional corporations are, in fact, the entities to grant the
final approval.
And the other aspect with respect to enforcement, Mr. Chairman, yes, we will admit that
enforcement on developments and also that for unauthorized structures are a bit tardy, but one
can advance quite a number of different reasons that could be allocated to that enforcement issue.
The first issue I would want to indicate with respect to enforcement, Mr. Chairman, is the
fact that the municipal corporations corporate office holders which will be the councillors who
really sit around council to make the decisions, sometimes they look at things objectively and
differently from a community perspective, and the fact sometimes that they are, their offices might
be in structures that might not be authorized themselves, they may not want to probably enforce
that authority that they have to really, you know, enforce upon developers.
There is also another reason with respect to the adequacy of staffing and capacity and
capability at the corporation to undertake full and complete inspections during the course of
construction of developments. And you find sometimes that developers do their developments
and there is very little inspection because of that lack of capacity and capability at the regional
corporations.
So basically, those are two of the reasons that I can probably immediately advance with
respect to the lack of enforcement with respect to division, but I want to make the point that
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bulldozing and filling of land is determined to be engineering works carried thereon, and the
Ministry of Planning and Development may have a role with respect to enforcing, with respect to
bulldozing of land and filling up of land for the purpose of laying out land into building lots. And
also, the EMA may have a responsibility with regard to the designated activity order, if they
exceed a certain amount of land in terms of the development. So, thank you.
Mr. Paray: Ms. Hinds, if I could just ask, Mr. Ameeral just spoke that you may have some legal
power to do stop orders, I am just using that phrase. Does the Town and Country Planning in
terms of your enforcement power, can you go and stop some of these developers, stop some of
these activities from happening based on the legislative power that your organizations may have?
Ms. Hinds: Unfortunately, currently we do not have the power for stop orders, but we do have a
role in enforcement. And I think my colleague would appreciate, we both know very well that
the same challenge in the regional corporation is the same one that we have in terms of human
capacity.
In the year 2013, I think, is when we started our enforcement unit, we had to find separate
and apart officers because development control inspectors who are responsible for doing sites
visits on regular applications were becoming overwhelmed. It was too much for them to take
note of infringements, so we hired a number of officers, and at present we really only have 12
enforcement officers who are responsible for taking note of infringements and going through the
process.
You may appreciate that it is a very time-consuming process, and that is why as much as
four years is given before something is considered statute barred, it is because there is an
understanding that the research must be accurate and it takes a lot of time. I have data that can
show that there has been quite a bit of improvement from Town and Country Planning Division
in terms of it is a role in doing enforcement, but I would be lying to not acknowledge that
collaboratively, and I am talking about there are many agencies who have officers with some kind
of power to do enforcement. The EMA has police, the regional corporations you just heard have
officers who are also mandated to do that, Town and Country, yes. You have forestry officers
who are aware of things that may happen, you have public health officers.
So, we at the Ministry of Planning and Development have been thinking, I cannot say we
have yet taken it further, but the idea is, why if we are all suffering from lack of staff, why do we
not ensure that there is some training taking place so than when officers go out there, they see
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many things, not just those who see infringement in terms of development standards, that would
be the development control inspector under the Town and Country Planning Division, but there
are others who go out to see other things.
So if we were to do some training, that would empower us to increase our numbers, and
that is exactly the thinking behind the Planning and Facilitation of Development Act, when we
do fully proclaim, that is the kind of thinking that we want to implement to see if we can improve
this issue of enforcement.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Hinds. I would like to just bring in Dr. Cooper in the discussions
here. And first of all, Dr. Cooper, to thank you and the university for your very detailed reply,
very incisive response to the questions that we asked. And one thing that stands out from a
non-engineering point of view, when in your response to the challenges, what are the challenges
with implementing flood alleviation and control measures. And you identified apathy as one of
the reasons, and the response tends to suggest that, you know, the public has reached a stage
where there is a degree, there is an attitude of acceptance, “Look, like we really just cannot solve
this problem at all”, and they are just like in a state of giving up. And well, fortunately, it has not
reached the level of the agencies as yet in terms of that apathy, but could you elaborate on that a
bit?—one.
And the second thing is that, in your responses, you know, you refer a lot to integrated
water management resource approach that all their approaches to flood alleviation should really
be based on integrated storm water management approach. And we did ask you to respond to
your—in terms of the setting up of a water resources management authority, and bearing in mind,
you know, we have so many agencies working within Ministries and on separate things as
identified, you know, coordination seems to be really a challenge, a big challenge whether a water
resources management authority could really work towards—it could be a coordinating body
playing a major role in flood alleviation and control.
Dr. Cooper: So the first point about “apathy”, during the various visits to sites that have been
flooded, I am always surprised to find out what people are going through for such a long time to
the point where they almost do not think that there is any need to change because the experiences
are going to continue. And I was surprised, for example, to find out that in El Socorro people
actually have boats, and they have it available and they almost use it on an annual basis because
that is the experience, that is their life experience, they live that from year to year, and it seems
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as if they have realized that this is how it is going to be, and I might just as well adapt.
The point about changing apathy though, is really to start making the problem a little bit
more, I guess, real so that people would realize that it does not have to be so, and, in fact, only if
people begin to demand more, would I think that leaders would begin to realize that, you know,
there is something I that I have to do because so many people are in fact complaining about this
particular issue. And so somehow, I think in my opening remarks I talked about public education,
and it is really about getting that message across, that it does not have to be so.
Now, it is very likely that we are going to get floods more frequently. Climate change,
and I always mention climate change, but I do not stop at climate change because another part of
the problem that we have had, that we are experiencing is because of our land use practises.
Right? And I remember being in the Drainage Division in 1985 and we were talking about, you
know, all the siltation and having to desilt the rivers, and it was always because of our land use
practices. It was land use practices then, but on top of that we now have climate change, so we
are really faced, we are really in a bind and, you know, the approaches, we have to sort of figure
out how we are going to move forward, but we cannot but help realize that if we are not addressing
land use changes, land zoning policies, then we are going to continue, you know, in a downward
spiral.
With respect to water resources management authority, it is really about the integration of
the issue about water, and water as a resource. So we have floods, but floods are not waste, it is
not water that cannot use, we have to find a way of harnessing that water that is available. And
it is necessary, I believe, to have that kind of coordinating body which will be able to provide that
kind of role to ensure that what is excess for the Drainage Division, in fact, becomes something
that is available to WASA and, you know, for the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries as
well. And I would like maybe just to add that, if we start thinking of “Drainage Division”, if we
keep tagging that name on them, it is really about getting rid of water. So perhaps a better name,
and we should start thinking about it, is really storm water management. Okay? So maybe we
should start thinking in that way.
Mr. Chairman: I think the term that comes up a lot based on some responses particularly from
the universities, integrated storm water management. And actually the Ministry of Planning and
Development, the Ministry of Public Utilities refer to a national integrated water resource
management plan as well. So integrated storm water management, yes, we concur with that.
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What is happening is that, we have to finish at 12.15 and it is a bit challenging, we have
so many stakeholders here and there is a definite possibility that we will have to call back some
of you all because we still have a fair amount of questions that we would like to ask. But seeing
that we have the representatives from the Tobago House of Assembly here, I would like to bring
them into the discussion because getting you all to come back again, is going to be quite, well,
expensive as well for you all to journey back to Trinidad and all of those things and the logistics.
So for the remaining time we have, I would really like to engage with the Tobago House of
Assembly and ask member Paray to—
Mr. Paray: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is fitting that we closed off the last conversation about
storm water management, and in speaking to Sen. De Freitas earlier on today, he did indicate that
Tobago has never been historically flood prone because half of the island is hills and so on, but
within recent time we have seen with the excessive water rainfall you did have a bit of flooding.
In one of your responses you indicated that there is an initiative to carry out studies for the
suitability and location of storm water ponds and other flood mitigation systems in key flooding
hot spots are under consideration. Can you give us an idea of what the status of these studies are
in determining suitability and location and so on? How far along is the THA with that project?
Mr. Des Vignes: All right. Thank you very much, member, for that question. Actually quite
recently, as I would have indicated in my opening comments, we saw the challenges we face in
Scarborough in particular with the passage of tropical storm Karen, and it forced us to take a
more—we have to take a more aggressive and, of course, proactive approach because we have
been looking at—we did institute a drainage task force that worked very well in terms of
collaboration with the Water and Sewerage Authority, the division of food production, forestry
and fisheries and the division of health to really ensure that a lot of our current drainage
infrastructure is up to standard, but following the passage of Karen and the recognition that we
cannot continue with the current capacity, we have decided to go ahead with studies. Just last
week the approach was approved by the executive council, and I would like to invite the Senior
Technical Coordinator, Mr. Abdallah Chadband, to give some more details on what the study will
entail.
Mr. Chadband: Good morning and thank you, hon. Chairman. Right. The initiative seeks to
engage the UDeCOTT to provide us with the project management and the procurement systems
necessary to acquire the services of consultants that are properly skilled to perform particular
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studies for our instances.

Predominantly we have had systems that worked, but with the increases we have seen,
intensity and volume, one of the things we recognize is that we may have to delve into the
inclusion of additional systems, example, storm water ponds in key areas that have been flooding.
I will also piggyback on the current situation. We are also seeing circumstances that were
fairly unique and there is no telling whether they would occur again, so we have to plan for them.
Take for instance in Scarborough there were video clips, social media and on the news, it
was very clear that the systems were overwhelmed, but we were faced with a very unique
circumstance at that time, there was something, an occurrence of spring tides, it is a natural
occurrence where you have excessively high tides during that period and then it reduces to
excessively low tides. So coupled with the intensity of the rainfall, the volumes, most of the
drainage infrastructure in Scarborough headed towards the seaside at the port area, it could not
move because the tides were higher than the discharge points.
Taking into consideration these occurrences, we need specialized input to make sure that
we get the correct design solutions for the occurrence. Because the port is right there, in some of
the areas we have coastal communities, we do not want to just go and do things the traditional
things “off we head”. It has to be, as the mantra has been put on the table, it has to be integrated,
we want it to make sure that the studies encompass the whole island, and all the river basins, the
watersheds, everything is incorporated and assessed.
So the initiative really moves to the next stage. We are at the stage where we are going
to have an official MOU with the UDeCOTT. I can say that one of the things that we would
definitely include in that, ask them to look at the lessons learnt from our counterparts in Trinidad,
instead of reinventing the wheel, we are hearing good things about apps and GIS mapping, those
are things that we would want to piggyback on as well from the studies.
Mr. De Freitas: Well, I think Mr. Chadband answered most of the questions that I was going to
ask. The only other question that I would have is, I noticed that the THA was proactive in hiring
a climate change specialist which I just to want commend you for because, you know, sometimes
we are not proactive in that regard. So let me just talk to the climate change specialist now,
because a lot of what we are doing, we are sort of reacting to what is happening weather-wise and
climate-wise, but you being a climate change specialist, can you give us some insight into what
is happening now by way of the intensity of rainfall that we are seeing, sometimes we have
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extremely hot days, and what that means going forward into future?
Because as someone rightly indicated just now, and specific to Tobago, if Tobago is
historically not flood prone, but we are seeing a lot more water coming in a shorter period of time
and that is expected to increase in frequency then, you know, what can we do about that, that
seems to be an act of God that is just happening there, and we are just trying to mitigate for that.
So what do you see happening now in relation to climate change? And what can we expect
coming into the future?
Mr. Dobin: Thanks, member, for your question. In respect to climate change, what we have
been seeing generally is that the normal patterns that could have been expected in years past, are
no longer constant. You have occasions now where during periods where you are expected to be
dry, you have intense rainfall, and you have occasions when in periods where you expect to
rainfall, you have more extensive dry periods.
Additionally, what you are seeing as well is that the intensity of the rainfall is actually
increasing, and a classic example is in relation to Karen where the average rainfall for the month
of September or the 30-year period was about 171 millimetres, and in 20 hours alone for Karen
you had 117 millimetres which is two-thirds of the average. So therefore, these occurrences seem
to be more frequent, and the expectation or the projection in the future is that they may continue.
In that regard as it was mentioned before, it is important to identify the water as a resource,
not something that needs to be just targeted and exported to the sea, because if you have occasions
where you have lack of water, whether it be for agriculture or for other uses, it means the
occasions where you have excess water, you could actually use that as a resource that can be used
in the future when you actually have dry periods, as well as the soil water recharge or the recharge
of your ground water, all these are things that can be considered in respect to what climate change
is projected to do, and how we can now use whatever the different circumstances that are existent,
to now better ourselves and better prepare ourselves for the future.
Mr. De Freitas: So what I am hearing is, based on the rebalancing that is taking place, how
important would you say, and by important I mean, I guess you can give a percentage, if you
would like, I just want the public to understand that we keep that storm water. Because I am
thinking we do not know how long these dry periods could be, and we are hearing of, you know,
that dams and whatnot being really low, 22 per cent in some cases and whatnot, but then a couple
of months later it floods.
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So how important it is that we get those mechanisms in place to, when there are floods,
we keep that storm water, so when there is an extended dry period, at least, we are not really in a
bad situation.
Mr. Dobin: I would say that that is extremely important, it is something that has to be priority
going forward. And in terms of what Mr. Chadband mentioned, in terms of the ponds, the settling
ponds and so on, dams and other things have to be considered as a medium to actually store excess
water when you have it, so that it can be reused in periods when there is less water.
12.10 p.m.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Chadband, just one word of caution. I think the direction in
terms of your river basin studies and all that in terms of a comprehensive integrated approach and
establishing a clear MOU with UDeCOTT, just a lil word of caution. For the past 12 years, I
think we have spent in Trinidad $66 million in studies. I mean, to be fair to the studies and the
consultants engaged in the studies and stakeholders, a lot of the solutions coming out of it have
been structural, engineering and, of course, very high capital costs associated with the projects
and, as such, because of the high capital costs, you know, it is a stumbling block in terms of
implementation. So the studies remain there on the shelves, so to speak, and a lot of the non-
structural aspects, you know, the social aspects and, well what we are talking about in terms of
an integrated approach to the whole storm water management, part of it is there. So I thought I
would just mention it to you to make sure that, you know, the non-structural part, the non-
engineering part of the studies are well addressed and they are taken into account in the overall
approach to your storm water management in Tobago. I just have—
Mr. De Freitas: Chair, just one more comment on top of that comment as we have both THA
here and entities from Trinidad. So in all of what you are doing in Trinidad, so, for example, that
information that you are collecting, we just naturally assumed you collected information for
Tobago as well. So that app that you are doing with the amount of rainfall and the amount of,
you know, the height of the water in the river, are you doing that for Tobago’s watercourses as
well? Because the THA may need that information in terms of what they are trying to do. Or is
it just simply Trinidad or we coordinate Trinidad and Tobago? Anybody?
Mr. Meade: May I, Mr. Chairman? Yes, Tobago is—again, Keith Meade, Senior Manager,
Water Resources Agency. Yes, we are extending it to Tobago. The major hurdle that we have to
overcome right now, we lost our antenna in Tobago and we are trying to re-establish that. We
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purchased a new one, and we are in the process of re-establishing that. So as soon as that is up,
we will have Tobago included in the entire system.
Mr. De Freitas: For the information of Tobago who is here, how soon?
Mr. Meade: I would say within the next three to four months, we should have it.
Mr. De Freitas: Thank you.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you. So we need to wrap up. I would just like to invite the different
entities for any closing comments, any closing remarks and we can go in the same order when we
started off. The Ministry of Public Utilities.
Ms. Duke: Chairman, members, we again thank you for the opportunity and we have taken on
board the recommendation for closer and deepening the collaboration and making sure that the
information we have in building our portals and informing our systems is information that
everyone is aware of and it is accurate information. So we will definitely treat with this in moving
forward with our discussions with the other agencies. Thank you.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Ministry of Planning and Development.
Ms. Deoraj: Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you for the opportunity to respond. Yes, we take
the advisement of the Committee, certainly in terms of a more coordinated role. What we have
recognized is that there is quite a complex, certainly very multifaceted issue with respect to
flooding, and we also see it not only in terms of guidelines and standards, but also associated with
a number of other types of policies. We certainly need to look at the number of issues in terms
of the containment of squatting. We have to look at the issues of behaviours and attitudes towards
how we even manage waste and, of course, we have the whole issue of climate change and climate
infrastructure and climate resilient infrastructure. So there are quite a number of issues that we
have to deal with when we talk about, but the Ministry of Planning and Development stands and
continues to work in an integrated way to try to resolve this problem. Thank you.
Ms. Bascombe: Thank you, Chair and members, for the invitation to today’s session. Thank
you members of the listening and viewing public. I would like to speak about just one key
takeaway in terms of rural clarity on issues of enforcement, that is one area which we would want
to ensure that we pay particular attention to in going forward, in addition to all the areas that the
other PSs have mentioned in terms of the collaboration and issues of culture change and provision
of resources. So, thank you very much again from the Ministry of Rural Development and Local
Government and the 14 municipal corporations.
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Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Councillor Des Vignes.

Mr. Des Vignes: Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Again, thank you for the opportunity to sit
here before the Committee. One very key takeaway I think for all of us has to be based on member
De Freitas comment, in terms of when we start speaking of national plans, I think it is very critical
that Tobago is a lot more integrated in the integrated plans. The reality is, though the Tobago
House of Assembly has responsibilities under the Fifth Schedule of the Tobago House of
Assembly Act, and we would bode well for us to husband our resources, both in Trinidad and
Tobago, to ensure that at all times the information is shared across the waters. We are very much
open to collaboration, particularly in the Division of Infrastructure. I must say the Ministry of
Works and Transport and the Ministry of Planning and Development has collaborated very well
with us in the past, and we look forward to all other Ministries following suit as we truly make
all of the national plans really national. Thank you very much.
Mr. Chairman: Yes. Dr. Cooper, and just briefly in your wrap up comments if you could indicate
to the Committee how much interaction you have with the agencies that are present here. How
many come to you, approach you for services and stuff like that? [Laughter]
Dr. Cooper: So, Vincent Cooper, lecturer, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
UWI. Yes, so we do enjoy a good relation with many of the stakeholders here. They are very
familiar faces. In particular, we started working with the Water Resources Agency on that app
they were talking about. We are, in fact, trying to provide a lil bit more information. I think Sen.
De Freitas asked about what happens, not so much with rain, but how far water spreads on the
floodplain, and we started speaking to Water Resources Agency and providing that kind of
information using some models that can take rainfall information, provide the predictive
information that they want.
Only recently we had a training with Drainage Division and from time to time we have
been meeting with Drainage Division suggesting research topics. And, in fact, with the Water
Resources Agency, just before the start of the semester, we had a meeting which, essentially, laid
out our research agenda indicating the students we had available and the kind of support with
respect to data that we required and it is working quite well. Water Resources Agency is
providing us with the data and the students are continuing with their work.
So the university is very, very willing to provide whatever assistance we can with respect
to training and with respect to creating knowledge so that we can develop a system that is flood
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resilient and, you know, we can solve the problem of flooding. Thank you.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Dr. Cooper. I would like to thank all officials who have come here
for this public enquiry, and we will be in touch with you again regarding any further inputs that
we require from you. Thank you very much. Thanks for the responses to the questions that the
Committee has sent to you. I know a lot of work has gone into it; very detailed responses. We
appreciate that.
I would like to thank members of the Committee and members of the Secretariat to the
Committee, Mrs. Massiah, who is the Secretary to the Committee, and the staff assigned by the
Parliament to the Committee. Thanks very much. I will kindly request members of the
Committee, if you can just stay back after I suspend, for just about five minutes so that we can
wrap up this meeting here. So this meeting is suspended.
12.26 p.m.: Meeting suspended.
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APPENDIX VI
DATED DECEMBER 4, 2019
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UNREVISED VERBATIM NOTES OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH MEETING OF

THE JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO INQUIRE INTO AND
REPORT ON LAND AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE HELD IN THE J.
HAMILTON MEETING ROOM, MEZZANINE FLOOR, TOWER D, OFFICE
OF THE PARLIAMENT, PORT OF SPAIN INTERNATIONAL WATERFRONT
CENTRE, #1A WRIGHTSON ROAD, PORT OF SPAIN, ON WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 04, 2019 AT 10.30 A.M.
PRESENT
ABSENT
MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Ms. Marie Hinds Director (Ag.) Town and Country Planning
Division
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Ms. Camille Guichard Assistant Director (Ag.) Town and Country

Planning Division
Ms. Erica Campbell Senior Land Use Planner, Town and
Country Planning Division
Dr. Ancil Kirk Assistant Coordinator, Town and Country
Planning Division
Mr. David Persad Environmental Manager, Environmental
Policy and Planning Division
Ms. Candace Leung Woo-Gabriel Research Analyst, Environmental Policy
and Planning Division
DEAN, FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES (UWI)
Mr. Chairman: Pleasant good morning to everyone, and I would like to welcome everyone
present to this the 48th Meeting of the Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure
pursuant to an enquiry into flood alleviation and control measures for major river basins and
drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago.
I would just like to remind all members and officials and all those present in the room
today that to please, if you can, turn off your cell phones, or if you prefer, to place them on silent
or vibrate. I am to inform that this hearing is being broadcast live on Parliament Channel 11,
Parliament Radio 105.5 FM and the Parliament’s YouTube channel, ParlView. I would also like
to inform members of the viewing and listening audience that you can send comments via email
at parl101@ttparliament.org or to our Facebook page at facebook.com/ttparliament or on Twitter
at @ttparliament.
I would like to welcome officials. Today we have officials from the Ministry of
Planning and Development, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, and the
Faculty of Engineering, UWI St. Augustine. I know you all were here last week Tuesday when
this Committee met, and it is good that we are seeing each other so often. I think from frequent
meetings a lot of good comes out of it and it is good to have you all here again with us. I would
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like to introduce myself. I am Deoroop Teemal, Chairman of this Joint Select Committee on Land
and Physical Infrastructure, and I would like to invite Committee members to introduce
themselves.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Just to remind all representatives that the objectives of our enquiry,
this particular enquiry, one, we have three overarching objectives. One is to examine the current
policies and measures for flood alleviation and control measures for major river basins and
drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago; two, examine the effectiveness of policies and
initiatives for flood alleviation and control measures; and three, to determine the challenges
associated with flood alleviation and control.
I would now like to invite officials to introduce yourselves, after which we would
ask the head of each agency present here today to make brief opening remarks as we get going.
So please, we can start.
Mr. Ameeral: I just want to apologize for the absence of our Permanent Secretary who is before
another Committee of the Parliament at this present time.
[Continuation of introductions]
Mr. Chairman: Thank you all. As I mentioned before, this is your second appearance but I will
still invite opening remarks from the respective parties. So maybe, Dr. Cooper, we will start with
you.
Dr. Cooper: We are again pleased to be part of these meetings aimed at achieving flood
resilience. Flood resilience, as we understand it, involves efficient pursuance of five approaches,
namely, flood prevention, flood defence, flood mitigation, flood preparation and flood recovery.
These approaches require an adequate governance structure for them to be properly implemented.
It is our hope that the Committee would be able to define the required structure and identify how
it can be realized.
As you know, the UWI exists to advance learning, create knowledge and foster
innovation for the positive transformation of Caribbean societies. The department is committed
to working with organizations to bring about this transformation through robust infrastructure and
governance systems to minimize disruption from flooding and permit economic and social
pursuits of communities within Trinidad and Tobago. Thank you.
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Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Dr. Cooper. Mr. Chadee Ameeral?

Mr. Ameeral: Mr. Chairman, Committee members, members of the staff of the Parliament,
fellow senior public officials, listening and viewing audience, members of the public gallery,
members of the media, pleasant good morning. Mr. Chairman, flooding in both urban and rural
areas in Trinidad is a frequent occurrence leading to substantial loss of property, crop damage,
health problems and severe inconvenience of whole communities and the travelling public. The
Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government has a statutory responsibility in
accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act 21 of 1990. These
responsibilities do not include major river basins and drainage catchments, nor does it include
main watercourses and drains along main roads and highways.
Mr. Chairman, undertaking studies by way of engaging consultants of major river
basins and drainage catchments and implementing the recommendations arising from those
studies are not viewed as a core function of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local
Government. However, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government is committed
to partnering with other stakeholder agencies to support such initiatives and to implement
recommendations arising from these studies in an effort to minimize the negative impact,
discomfort and inconvenience to residents.
Mr. Chairman, drainage projects undertaken by the Ministry of Rural
Development and Local Government, including its 14 municipal corporations, are aligned with
its budgetary allocation under its recurrent and Public Sector Investment Programme. In fiscal
2020, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government is allocated 1.53 per cent, more
or less, of the overall national allocation under the Public Sector Investment Programme for
drainage works. Projects are selected by the various local government representatives, approved
by council and forwarded to the Ministry for review and onward transmission to the Ministry of
Finance for the requisite release of funds.
In fiscal 2019, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government was
allocated $75 million, more or less, of which 82.7 per cent was accessed. This permitted the
Ministry and its 14 municipal regional corporations to construct over 20,000 metres of box drains,
4,000 metres of curb walls and slipper drains, 450 metres of box culvert crossings and four
bridges. This achievement will no doubt have a positive impact on storm water runoff and a
reduction in the inconvenience and discomfort experienced by communities due to flood events.
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The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government appears once more
before this enquiry and we reassure you that we are duty-bound to provide this Committee with
any and all information required to honour its mandate. We look forward to your line of
questioning and should we be unable to provide the factual impromptu response, we crave your
indulgence, Mr. Chairman, to provide same in writing within reasonable time. Thank you very
much, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much, Mr. Ameeral. Ms. Deoraj?
Ms. Deoraj: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you again to you and the members for the
invitation to appear before this Committee. It is indeed a pleasure for the Ministry to be here. At
the last meeting we emphasized the need for a coordinated and integrated approach to
development. And, yes, the Ministry of Planning and Development continues to position itself to
be able to be one of those agencies to assist in the coordination and development of issues of
national importance.
We have looked at our Town and Country Planning Division and we know that
they are a serious and very important actor in the issue of orderly and progressive development
of land in Trinidad and Tobago, both for urban and rural development. But equally important are
the other divisions of the Ministry of Planning and Development, particularly that of the role of
the Environmental Division as an environmental regulator as well as providing policy guidance
on how the environment should be developed in accordance with good national development. We
look forward to the outcomes of the discussions over the next few meetings to also assist us in
developing good policy as we move forward. We would like to also note the role of the Public
Sector Investment Programme in promoting the issue and dealing with the issue of drainage and
management of the flood alleviation in Trinidad and Tobago. We would like to note that in fiscal
2020 the sum of $143.4 million has been provided under the Public Sector Investment Programme
for a number of different types of projects, and to support the different Ministries and agencies,
including the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local
Government, the Tobago House of Assembly, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and
Fisheries, and we can ventilate a little more on the types of projects that we are supporting.
The Ministry of Planning and Development is also looking at how some of the
important studies on the environment have been financed under the National Development Plan,
Vision 2030, as well as under the Public Sector Investment Programme, and we can discuss that
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further. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much, Ms. Deoraj. Member De Freitas?
Mr. De Freitas: Good morning again and welcome back to those that were here on the last
occasion and welcome to those who are here for the first time. Just as a brief recount, on the last
occasion we heard that, to our surprise, that the Town and Country Planning Division was not
entirely responsible for enforcement regarding illegal building and, you know, infrastructure,
which, by and large, is one of the contributors to the flooding problem that we have in Trinidad
and Tobago. So I think the question that I want to start with this morning is to Town and Country
Planning Division. One, is this true? And could you explain again, just for the benefit of those
who are now listening for the first time and did not listen the last time, exactly how does it work
in relation to the enforcement when someone builds illegally and it has an impact on river courses,
and therefore flooding in Trinidad and Tobago?
Ms. Hinds: Thank you for that question. Allow me to explain, and so that we could discuss
further. So you were quite correct in your summary that it is not only the Town and Country
Planning Division that has a role to play in enforcement, and I think we established that the last
time that we were here. But let me give you an appreciation of the process, what would actually
happen. So someone has built—and you are making specific reference to the kind of illegal
structures that would negatively impact upon flooding. You also drew the example of possibly
river banks or maybe even along a drainage causeway.
Most times those would be lands that belong to the State under the jurisdiction of
the Commissioner of State Lands. It is my assumption, if they are private lands, that the owners
would be taking responsibility for somebody who has illegally constructed. And note well, I say,
illegally constructed, because if you were to apply our standards, they would not have gotten an
approval to build in such an inappropriate place. So the assumption is that it is an illegal structure.
It is fair to also assume that the lands belong to the State—state lands. Then it becomes the
responsibility of the Commissioner of State Lands to work together with us and with the local
government agencies to see how best to enforce and to stop or/and remove that structure. The
legislation under which the Town and Country Planning Division operates does not—I have to
be careful when I say it does not empower us to always enforce. There is a practice that State does
not enforce against State. It would be inappropriate for us to then bring the Commissioner of State
Lands to court for an enforcement matter. So what is usually done is that we will write and state
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what we have observed, and together it is hoped that with a team approach we can then go forward
to put an end to this.
And there will also, as well, if it is illegal structures, be a role for the Land
Settlement Agency because, again, their mandate requires that they regularize such developments,
but it should not be in sensitive areas. If we were to show you some mapping—we have been
doing quite a bit of work—you would see the reality of that challenge. It is that in many cases,
sometimes they find themselves regularizing development in areas that are still very prone to
flooding. So at the end of the day we are saying it requires, again, a comprehensive, coordinated
approach to address this matter. But conclusively, it is not only the role of the Town and Country
Planning Division to work on enforcement in those particular areas.
Mr. De Freitas: Thank you very much for that summary and assessment. I do have a better
understanding of what is occurring. Here is the problem. So flooding is occurring and we are
identifying an issue that contributes to that. It is not the only issue. There are other issues, but the
other issues—I do not want to say are easier to solve, but there is a clearer pathway to solving
them: education in relation to dumping; clearing water courses, that kind of stuff. This particular
one seems to be a bugbear. So one of the things you just stated was that, you know, you try to
have better communication. But since we have started this enquiry we are realizing that
communication is not exactly the best between all of the entities responsible for dealing with that
problem.
So my point is this: it cannot be allowed to continue, one, because of climate
change, and what is happening. It will only get worse, so therefore we have to treat with it now.
In your opinion, what can be done to treat with that problem of illegal building which has an
impact on flooding? Because it affects everyone. So it is no longer, “I will try to communicate
because it is State versus State”, and then we are flooding every rainy season. Something has to
be done. What can be done to stop that?
Ms. Hinds: So before others jump in—and I am pretty certain that my PS will also want to say
a few words on this—I think we have to actually start with ensuring that we have accurate data.
Let me clarify. You have actually stated an assumption that a lot of the flooding is a result of
illegal structures in flood-prone areas. In fact, the division has begun some work to actually map
and see the extent to which matters that come before us in terms of complaints, are actually the
result—or if there is any sort of correlation between the two. So I have to put on record that that
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is an assumption and we are working—right now we do have a challenge in terms of our database
for enforcement. Originally we did not capture the data in that particular way, but we are
endeavouring to do mapping that will allow us to have a better appreciation of the exact impact
of illegal structures in terms of flood-prone areas. So I want to advise that we continue to pursue
to make sure that we have accurate data. That is one.
But you are making a point. There are situations where the illegal structures are on a
riverbed and they themselves become prone to all sorts of horrors happening if floods should take
place, because they are inappropriately positioned. Beyond what we have already attempted to do
in terms of communicating, we are going again, in terms of our policy role, to pull the relevant
agencies together and to explore the extent to which—is it, perhaps that your legislation—I am
talking about all of the agencies—does not sufficiently empower you to get the job done? Is it
perhaps that you do not have the kind of resources necessary to get the job done? That is one way
that we are definitely pursuing. We have to. We have got to use our GIS to help us, inform us,
even more appropriately in terms of data, and there is no way to address this without the
collaboration.
So I am going beyond saying we just communicate and write letters. I know we did that.
But we have gone one step further. In fact, in one particular case—I do not want to mention the
area to prejudice what has been happening, but a number of agencies—we are about to have our
second discussion on it tomorrow-please-God. We are actually saying if perchance we have
approved development—so I am not even talking about the illegal things only, because in some
cases we have approved development and due to climate changes that area is now prone to
flooding. So at the time we approved it there was not an issue. But it is not yet implemented.
So then, what do you do? So the regional corporation, the EMA, the Ministry of
Works and Transport, Drainage Division to be specific, and Town and Country Planning Division,
have been meeting to discuss how do we address such very real scenarios. So we have gone
beyond writing letters. And in my opinion, what can we do? We have got to continue to work
with our agencies and see where the gaps are, and then we could approach that at a higher level.
It may require additional legislation; it may also require additional—implementation of different
things to make it happen. So for now, those are my thoughts. Others may choose to contribute as
well.
Mr. De Freitas: Before anybody else contributes, let me just say this. This is the third meeting
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we have had in relation to this enquiry and there are three separate entities talking about mapping
towards the exact same end result. The Ministry of Works and Transport is doing a GIS map of
Trinidad and Tobago and all the water courses; the Ministry of Public Utilities, and now I am
hearing Town and Country Planning. That tells me something is gravely wrong because there is
duplication of information. Because you just indicated that the information that you get will allow
you to know where people have built and who are flood—that is being done and each one is at a
different stage. The Ministry of Works and Transport is looking for data to do the GIS mapping;
the Ministry of Public Utilities has the data and are ready to put out the map. You all are trying
to get the data, and floods are still happening. And the reason I can assume that illegal building is
part of the problem—it is not the only problem; we discovered that, that is why we are having
this enquiry.
Dumping is a major problem. But what I said was, we can educate the public and reduce
the dumping. What I am now hearing is that enforcement is invested in various agencies and it is
not getting done. You just indicated you “doh” have the data. You cannot tell how many people
are illegally building and what impact it has, so therefore it cannot be dealt with. And what I am
trying to say is, climate change is happening, the flooding is getting worse and we are still trying
to figure out the data. Because at the end of the day the peoples whose houses are flooding, they
“doh” want to hear that. They want to hear that there is a solution in the works and the mapping
is just one part of it. That is why I am saying that. It is not an assumption at all. Does anybody
else have an answer?
Ms. Deoraj: Thank you, member, for those comments, and just to—we certainly understand the
position that you are taking. Now, each one of our agencies—and I am speaking from the point
of view of the interagency cooperation that we have been working with for a number of years.
So, yes, Town and Country Planning does have a GIS system, but so does Public Utilities and
Drainage, et cetera. But each of the entities are doing different types of data collection. Now, in
our case we have maps of all the built development in Trinidad and Tobago, and we have been
overlaying those maps with where are the high risk, the high density challenges for flooding. So
that is data that is found in the Ministry, of drainage. So we are overlaying those with where we
have also had unregulated development, which is particularly with the land settlement agencies.
So that type of data has been overlaid in terms of looking at an integrated approach. Many times
we have the data in front of us telling us that development is taking place in areas that we would
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not have recommended.

So I want to be able to deconstruct the enforcement issues a little bit. Now, the
Ministry of Planning and Development would deal with enforcement. And our section 16 of the
Town and Country Planning Act is very specific about unplanned development—an unauthorized
development. When an application comes into the Town and Country Planning Division for a
building, whether it is a simple house or a complex development, there are two different areas,
and Ms. Hinds could always verify some more. So a citizen walks in, “I have a piece of land and
I want to develop, and I built a design and I have to go through the process.” But the conditions
under which Town and Country Planning would advise, if it is in a flood-prone area, they would
make certain types of recommendation as it relates to the type of structure that you build. But
they would also talk about the interagency approval process. So you cannot build without going
to drainage division. And, of course, when local government gets the part of the process, they will
also ensure that the applicant fulfils those things.
What we tend to see at the Ministry of Planning and Development when it comes
to enforcement is the type of enforcement issues where someone builds an addition to their house
and close on the other person’s boundaries; somebody builds against a wall or they do not adhere
to the set-back arrangements that we have outlined. And those are the types of cases that come
before Town and Country Planning for enforcement, and we are putting the data now to show
really the types of cases that we see.
But when someone builds on the riverbank, if they came with a plan to build on
the riverbank, Town and Country Planning would most likely refuse them, unless they have very
robust engineering structures and engineering plans and how they are going to build on the
riverbank. So if someone builds on the riverbank, the likelihood that Town and Country Planning
would have ever given them approval is very low. And in that case, we do not have the power to
act on that, and that is where it is either the Commissioner of State Lands or local government.
So what we are trying to do with our GIS and our data is to really share it with all
our entities and ensure that when we do give recommendations to build or construct, there is
interagency collaboration. And I would like to point out to another informal process but a very
robust one that we undertake in the Ministry, is what we call the complex facilitation development
committee. So for complex development, we have—someone comes with a large development
for multi-storey, multi-housing with maybe a mall and so, and they come and they present to an
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interagency committee, and that committee would comprise, depending on what type of
development it is, would be the Ministry of Planning and Development, the drainage division; we
would have the EMA, if it is we need to see a CEC. And the developers would present this
committee with the proposal, and then there is dialogue as to what would be the expectations
when you do submit this proposal. And in many instances, we have had to tell developers go back
to the drawing board because they want to propose very extensive development in low-lying,
high-risk flood-prone areas, and we have had to refuse. We would tell you in advance your
application would be refused. So they go back to the drawing board, and there is a lot of
negotiation that goes on.
So certainly from the point moving forward, this is certainly the way that we have
been working on this process. So what I am trying to point out is that, yes, we do have persons
with similar types of technology that they are using, but they are using it for different reasons and
we at the Ministry of Planning and Development have been working on trying to integrate that.
11.00 a.m.
One of the initiatives that we are also working on, and this is called the “National Spatial
Development Infrastructure”, it is a proposal where all the entities involved in development will
be working as a committee to approve and to share data, and sharing data is a very difficult process
from the point of some of the legislation does not allow entities to share data and also some of
the data they feel are protected. So it is really about getting a coordinated approach, and we
believe that the model that we have proposed to our Minister, that we will get the support and
then bring the entities together because sharing data will help us to have more coordinated
development. Thank you.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you. At this time let me please introduce two members of the Committee
that have joined us: Mrs. Glenda Jennings-Smith, MP, member of this Committee; and Sen. Wade
Mark. Mr. Paray?
Mr. Paray: Thank you very much and welcome again. Mr. Ameeral, in your opening editorial
you identified several areas that your Ministry has very little or no responsibility for in terms of
like river basins, catchments, some drainage and so on. Would you say that the Ministry of Rural
Development and Local Government does have a very important role in driving cultural
behaviours in communities in terms of issues?—as Sen. De Freitas spoke on issues of dumping
and personal environmental conditions around your home, and so on, and the issue of
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enforcement. So the question is—Rural Development seems to be responsible for those things
from where I sit. Are you doing enough; can more be done; and is there a plan going forward to
strengthen those two areas which I feel that your Ministry does clearly have a mandate in terms
of that portion of the solution to deal with this issue of flooding?
Mr. Ameeral: Mr. Chairman, in response to the first part of the question is yes. The second part
of the question with respect to enforcement, Mr. Chairman, it is not everybody in leadership and
decision-making position want to take the necessary and harsh decisions for the greater good of
the greater number of people. And I say this, Mr. Chairman, because of the fact that the
corporations—while we see the corporations have authority and responsibility with respect to
enforcement, we need to understand the structure and how decisions are made at the level of the
corporation for the administration to implement. So you would find there are unauthorized
structures and there are unauthorized laying out of lands into building lots for the purpose of
development.
These in fact, to the best of my knowledge, is in contravention and infringement of the
law because structure and building is clearly defined in the law and once you develop or you
attempt to build a structure or a building, or lay out lands into building lots without the benefit of
the approval of the local authority, which is defined as the council of a corporation, you are in
infringement of the law. So, Mr. Chairman, with respect to enforcement, the corporations have a
responsibility for enforcement in accordance with the provisions of the law, Public Health
Ordinance, Ch. 14, No. 4 and all these amendments, and also the Municipal Corporations Act
together probably with the yellow fever Act and also the malaria Act. But what we see happening
over a period of time is that enforcement notices will be served on violators of these pieces of
legislation and time will progress, and you will find decisions are not made at the level sometimes
of the council to really mandate the administration to enforce the provisions of the Act and even
enforce demolition. It is my firm view that the corporations sometimes err on the side of caution
and try to seek a determination of the court before enforcing demolition, but I have reason to
believe that that is not necessary and they do that trying to err on the side of caution.
Mr. Chairman, with respect to land development and laying out land into building lots,
the process requires that a notice of advice is being served upon the prospective violator, giving
him a reasonable time, probably between seven and 14 days to respond to the notice of advice
and present himself or herself to the corporation’s inspectorate department, to be advised as to
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the violation and probably take steps to make good that violation. If that is not done, Mr.
Chairman, you find now the Act requires that a discontinuance notice be served—and that is what
we call the stop order—and having served the discontinuance notice the Act provides for a redress
by the Ministry of—well it says the “Chief Technical Officer (Works)”, which is interpreted to
mean the Ministry of Works and Transport Chief Technical Officer, and that Officer will have
the authority to probably either lift the notice or probably send it back to the regional corporation.
There are three options that officer will have to do so, and you will find sometimes these
things are lacking because of the fact that really and truly some people are not sure as to how to
proceed, what to do with it. And in addition to that, the prospective violators, if they are still
aggrieved by the decision if the notice is not lifted then they could have the authority to petition
the courts in order to adjudicate on the matter. So land development really is in contravention of
the Public Health Ordinance and the Municipal Corporations Act, and I had indicated before that
enforcement is a bit tardy and there could be a number of reasons. There could be lack of will.
If the matter does go to the courts you are going to find a situation where it gets caught up in the
court process and there are a number of postponements and adjournments and so on, and really
and truly it is not enforced at the level it is supposed to be enforced.
So also, Mr. Chairman, in terms of the capability, I did indicate at the last hearing that
there needs to be capacity and capability building at the regional corporation because one building
inspector to a regional corporation really cannot—no way it is humanly possible to really enforce
and do all the aspects of land development and building plans. So there needs to be a real
approach in terms of how we look at the whole idea of planning permission, and also after
planning permission is granted the role of the local authority in terms of granting the approvals.
Mr. Chairman, the way forward with respect to this, I am seeing that the full proclamation
of the PAFD Act—the Planning and Facilitation of Development Act—which seeks to set up the
national planning authority and the municipal planning authority as the way forward, but we still
need to look at that objectively to see whether the local authority—which will be council of a
corporation—will still have a role into the whole process and whether that role will be executed
by the council as a unified body; or whether it is going to be a role that is undertaken by the
municipal planning authority and the corporation has some kind of oversight responsibility in
terms of the council intervention or probably their input with respect to some of the plans.
So I think that is the way forward, but we also need to look at that objectively because if
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the municipal planning authority aligns with the local government reform which makes provision
for a spatial planning and building inspectorate unit of which that will comprise the municipal
planning authority, we need to look objectively as to whether the municipal planning authority
will function independently and report to the national planning authority on issues of enforcement
and probably appeals and people who are aggrieved by a decision of the municipal planning
authority. And it is my firm view that if that municipal planning authority ought to be staffed
adequately, it ought to be staffed with its own engineer who can probably advise on the
engineering and structural requirements, and that engineer ought to also have some kind of
experience, training and competency profile with respect to drainage, and drainage design, and
hydrology and hydraulics. And also in terms of the public health aspect, that municipal planning
authority ought to have that kind of expertise within the planning authority itself. If these matters
have to go to the corporation’s engineer, which would have basically his normal responsibility
with recreational grounds, and roads, and drainage construction, and its pavilions and all the other
aspects, I think we really need to look back at that and see if that is the way and the best way to
expedite approval and expedite enforcement with respect to unauthorized development of land.
Mr. Paray: Mr. Ameeral, in your experience—I know you would have been a CEO for many
years at several corporations—do you think that councils are well tooled and technically trained
to be a decision-making body in granting approvals for buildings and land developments and so
on; and if not or if so, do they act as a hindrance in the process if they are not well tooled and
skilled to do that in your experience?
Mr. Ameeral: Mr. Chair, the members of council and council ought to act on the advice of the
technocrats and expertise that resides within the municipal corporation. Sometimes you have
members of council who may have some kind of experience, or have members from their
respective electoral districts who would advise them on certain matters, and then they will come
to the council or the corporation and in the debate and discussions on matters they would make
certain presentations and pronouncements and requests. So the answer to the question is that
whether they have the competency profile to make technical tools and technical decisions, I would
say, no, there is need for improvement but at the same time the technocrats and the public officers
there who are chief officers of the corporation, they are quite competent and they have the
expertise and the council should act on the advice of these expertise.
However, when the element of mistrust steps in in that relationship you will find a
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situation where the recommendations that will go from the technocrats and the expertise at the
corporation to the council for adjudication and decision you find they question that, when that
element of mistrust takes place. So it is a matter really and truly for the corporations to look at
objectively, focus on really and truly what is the vision and mission of the corporation in terms
of providing the services to the burgesses, and the residents, and electors outside there, and try
and put aside differences and focus on what has to be done in terms of getting the best for the
residents and putting the people first, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Paray: Just lastly on this before I allow one of my colleagues to continue. Would you say
going forward that in whatever manifestation that new legislation we bring in terms of that
approval process at the local government level, do you think it is wise that we continue to have
these councils be the final arbitrator in terms of granting these permissions; or do you think it
should really sit with the technical officers, the public servants, who are there to really guide the
process along in terms of making sure we adhere to all these global standards, world standards,
and so on, and take that responsibility away from councils?
Mr. Ameeral: Mr. Chairman, I would want to agree with your contribution in that the decision
should not really lie at the level of the council of the corporation. Under the present system of
local government there are corporations that function presently where the decisions are made by
the technocrats, signed off by the CEO, and a report goes to the council just for their information.
You have corporation functions like that at present in our system and in those corporations you
find people will get approvals within a very, very fair and reasonable time, and in so doing what
is required in terms of the enforcement notices that you need to get a council decision for the
statutory show cause notice for buildings.
So if there is an unauthorized structure the law requires to the best of my understanding
and my reading of the law is that you need to get a council decision. So the building inspector
will do the inspection, develop a report, submit it to the council with a recommendation that the
statutory show cause notice be served giving a person 28 days to show cause in writing or to
appear in person before the council, and give reasons why their structure should not be removed,
altered, or pulled down, Mr. Chairman.
In corporations you would have had some situations where members of the public will
come to a meeting and the meeting will not be a council meeting. So the legitimacy of the meeting
is being questioned, but I would take it that there should be a meeting whereby members of the
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public could come, some forum where they can come and voice their views, voice their opinion
and probably try and see if they can get the corporation outside of the legal streamline to see if
they can amicably resolve the situation before actually enforcing and taking that kind of hard
action in accordance with the law, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman: All right. Before we go to member Mark, Mr. Ameeral, I am glad to note your
mention of the Planning and Facilitation of Development Act and the sitting of the national
planning authority. And then in relation to the respective corporations, I am glad that you
mentioned it because we have taken note of it, particularly in terms of local government reform
which is presently before a joint select committee of the Parliament, and I think within that whole
process of proclamation to operationalize this PAFD, also with the challenges of local
government reform, and then a clear and distinctive role of the municipal corporations in terms
of planning and that relationship with the planning authority, the introduction of a chief
enforcement officer and how that chief enforcement officer is going to function, the relationship
with the corporations in light of what Vice-Chairman Paray was mentioning, because really the
Committee recognizes that even though there may be legislation and pieces of legislation, the
actual enforcement itself we have a challenge. So I thank you for that. Member Mark?
Mr. Mark: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning to all. I just wanted to follow up briefly
on what Mr. Paray had asked, and I have a few questions that I would like to put in myself. Can
you advise this Committee what is the current status of the national physical planning Act in terms
of its full operationalization? Do you have or can you provide us with a status report on that or
any information that can guide this Committee as to where we are with the implementation
through proclamation?
Ms. Deoraj: Thank you, member. The Ministry of Planning and Development has a
subcommittee of the Ministry looking at all the elements with in terms of the moving into the
planning and facilitation proclamation. We have had a few meetings with the Ministry of Rural
Development and Local Government because one of the key things that will be handed over to
the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government would, of course, be the municipal
planning authorities, and we have been having discussions about proposed structures of those
entities so that they take on the responsibility of the municipal planning authority.
So we are also looking at the profile of the members of the national planning authority
and ensuring that we have the executive process being prepared at the moment for discussion with
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the senior executives of the Ministry. So we are well advanced in terms of the work that we are
doing. I do not know if Ms. Hinds would like to speak in terms of other works that they have
been doing, but we are working towards the proclamation as early as possible, next year, and, of
course, working with the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government.
One of the critical things that we want to have as part of this new process would be, of
course, the construction permitting process which is an electronic based system so that persons
can do their application and you will have very transparent processes in terms of the application
process, and that rollout we are hoping to have the pilot in the first part of 2020 and Port of Spain
area will be the first regional office that we will deal with that. So that if the national planning
authority is proclaimed, the municipal planning components will still be handed over to local
government even if the local government legislation is not ready.
Mr. Mark: Is there any specific time frame for the implementation and operationalization of this
Act in the context of the national physical planning authority, or are we just speculating and it
could take maybe beyond next year? Is there any specific time frame?
Ms. Deoraj: Well, readiness is always the issue in terms of proclamation and that is what we are
working towards, really making sure that the entities are ready. We have been working very
aggressively at the Ministry of Planning and Development to achieve that and, of course, until
that is done we cannot give a specific date. We will have to be able to advise on that, we would
have liked to have already been in a state of readiness to say to proclaim.
Mr. Mark: Can you advise this Committee whether the accompanying regulations to give effect
to the operationalization of this piece of legislation, do you know if those regulations have been
developed?
Ms. Deoraj: Can we submit this in writing for you on all the details of the process?
Mr. Mark: We will appreciate that. I just wanted to ask you about this automation of what you
described as the construction—
Ms. Deoraj: Submitting process.
Mr. Mark:—submitting system. You said that you have a pilot that is going to roll out sometime
next year and that Port of Spain will be the location for this experiment and this rolling out, is that
so?
Ms. Deoraj: Yes. So about 18 months ago the Ministry of Planning and Development entered
into a contractual arrangement with CrimsonLogic through a competitive tender’s process. The
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funding came understand the loan for the single electronic window which was intended to
improve the ease of doing business in Trinidad and Tobago. Now, one of the key indicators for
our ease of doing business is where we rank in terms of permitting of construction and we do very
badly in that area. We are over the one hundred I think, 40-something, member, in terms of poor
performance. So we have been really trying to deal with the construction permitting process. So
CrimsonLogic has been working with the Ministry of Planning and Development as well as all
the entities that are involved in the approval process for construction. That software and that
development is not just about inputting data, but it is also about training and retraining people to
go out and collect data; it is about digitalizing of records.
So we digitized records of over 51,000 records from between 2017—19—sorry, 2000—
2017 data. That is 51,000 records on the Port of Spain—and when I say Port of Spain, it is not
just Port of Spain. It is about all the entities that fall within the Port of Spain office of the Town
and Country which includes part of county Caroni. So what we are hoping to do—well we
actually have it in our agenda for January to start the first pilot, and the pilot is really not a pilot
of whether we go back. It is really about fixing the last tweaks in the process so that we can do
the roll out. We have already started to digitize the records for the south offices and we also will
be starting very soon on digitizing parallel east and Tobago. So that we are in anticipation that
by middle of next year all our records will be digitized.
That digital record assists the planners, enable to properly map an application so that they
will have the historical account, at least up to 2000 for now, what happens on a particular site so
that they can make the best recommendation. In that process data will be uploaded real time, the
development control officers will be on the field with the technology to be able to look at the site,
take the pictures and respond to the application. The member who has submitted will also be able
to track their application to see where they are in the process. The process is not only for the
Ministry of Planning and Development, but all the 14—there are about 14 processes that we have
mapped in the construction permitting process and all those entitled will have sight of the
application at the same time.
We are hoping—now most of the project development has happened for the Ministry of
Planning and Development and some of our sister agencies need some support in terms of
technology, in terms of retraining and so, and that is also part of our project activity. So we
anticipate that by early next year the Port of Spain office of the Town and Country will be
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automated completely and the other departments will be following shortly thereafter.
Mr. Mark: You mentioned entities, a number of entities will be involved in this exercise. Would
the regional corporations be involved?
Ms. Deoraj: Yes, they are already involved in the process.
Mr. Mark: The Ministry of Works and Transport?
Ms. Deoraj: The Ministry of Works and Transport, Public Utilities, WASA, THA, T&TEC, all
the entities. There are 14—when we mapped to get to start thinking about automating the process,
the Town and Country Planning mapped the process and there are 14 agencies, advisory and
regulatory, who are involved in the construction permitting process and they have all been going
on this journey with us for the last 18 months.
Mr. Mark: Now, in terms of where we are now as it relates to approvals for construction of
buildings, as you said we are doing very badly on that item, re: the ease of doing business. Can
you give us an example of what is anticipated with this new construction permitting system as it
relates to the provision of timely approvals? Is it going to be 10 days? Right now it might be
140-something days, I am not too sure, but if you can give us an appreciation the current reality
is X number of days on average. With this new system that we are seeking to implement, where
are we going to end up in terms of getting timely approvals from the entities that are going to be
controlling this process?
Mr. Chairman: I will just intervene at this stage because I think, member Mark, in terms of the
emphasis on the approvals and where we are on implementation of the systems if maybe—
because we are also constricted by time, if your Ministry could probably provide the Committee
with a sort of status report that would give in more detail than you could probably just give us in
a couple minutes here the responses to member Mark’s question?
Ms. Deoraj: Yes, Mr. Chairman, we will be happy to provide that later to you.
Mr. Mark: Mr. Chairman, I just want to ask one final question before I allow someone else.
Town and Country Planning, you indicated in your submission, cannot conclusively determine
areas that are prone to flooding as a result of what is called “unplanned development”. You went
on further to say that this will necessitate a nationwide study to be executed, however, Town and
Country Planning is guided by flood hazard maps as you said, highlighting areas that are
susceptible to flooding. The question I want to put to you is this: Is consideration being given to
this nationwide study to determine the areas that are prone to flooding in Trinidad and Tobago?
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Is such a study being considered by the Town and Country Planning Division?
Ms. Deoraj: Thank you for the question. But what we do have—it is not that we are not
considering it, I do not think that is how it is being considered as a nationwide study. We have
quite a bit of data that exist already. So we have data from the Office of Disaster Preparedness
and they would tell you all the flood prone areas.
11.30 a.m.
We have already existing maps as it talks about areas for land development where the high
risk in terms of building and then we overlay that with the type of planning approval that has
already been distributed. We also have continuous what we call “review of land use” that the
Town and Country Planning does based on the type of data. So they go out in the field and they
always collect changes because communities change the use of an area so an area that might have
been agriculture, because persons will put up a house and then they start to build a number of
things, you would have to go back to the site and then it was originally agreed as agriculture and
then you have to give it as commercial. So what we do have is coverage in terms of state land,
we have coverage in terms of where the high risk areas.
What we are proposing to do is to have all those entities around the table to talk about an
integrated approach to how we are going to deal with flooding. But it is not only just about
flooding, it is also about all the other aspects that may contribute to flooding and there are things
like deforestation, there are things like settlements, informal settlements—what was commonly
referred to as “squatter settlements”, that is informal settlements—how do you deal with that and
how do you take those unregulated developments into some sort of national development plan so
that you do not have the level of incidents that we have now? But when you talk about us, we
have not put forward that type of study because there has been a lot of other studies that are
influencing our work that is already going on on the ground.
Mr. Mark: But do you think there is a need to pull all those studies together so that we can have
a comprehensive—
Ms. Deoraj: Certainly and I think the last time the Chairman did recommend that and actually
since then, we have reached out to all our sister agencies and proposed that meeting for very, very
early in January 2020.
Mr. Mark: And may I also ask, Mr. Chairman, through you, how often are flood hazard maps
updated? Is it done every one year, every three years, every five years, every 10 years? What is
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the frequency, regularity and the time period that you update your flood hazard maps?
Ms. Deoraj: That really would be the Office of Disaster Preparedness or the Ministry of Works
and Transport, but the last map that we have is November 2019, so I think it is part of the
continuous process because if something happens—and this would also link to other types of
issues, whether you have an issue tied to climate change because there are areas that may not have
had the propensity to flood and it has now flooded because of high rainfall or other kinds of
damage to the environment and that is mapped on a regular basis. So as an incident occurs, the
ODPM will put it on the map and then look at the—I would assume that they will look at all the
other variables in that particular area that would have caused—
Mr. Mark: Mr. Chairman, one final question. It appears to me listening to you and the
contribution thus far, we are having a challenge and somewhat a little difficulty in getting all these
agencies to properly coordinate so that we can, at the end of the day, have a common approach to
what we are supposed to do. To what extent, Mr. Ameeral, the coming into being of the National
Planning Authority bring about an integration, a coordination, of all these disparate forces that
are scattered that Town and Country Planning would have to bring together from time to time on
an ad hoc basis to do certain things or to understand certain processes that they are engaged in?
How will the National Planning Authority assist in integrating and bringing about a smooth
coordination of these various entities that are responsible for the planning and ultimate approval
process?
Mr. Ameeral: Mr. Chairman, the National Planning Authority will be responsible for complex
applications. The municipal planning authority will be responsible for what is deemed simple
applications and the automation system or the construction automation permitting system allows
for all the regulatory agencies, from the time the application is uploaded and verified, that all the
regulatory agencies will be seeing this application at the same time. So it is not like under the
present system whereby after you get an application, you have to go to drainage and you have to
go here and you have to go to the fire services and so on. It will mean that the first approval will
be for planning permission and having received planning permission and the application
automatically, by way of a decision page, will be sent to the various organizations that have an
input in the application. In that also is that the applicant will be fully aware of what the status of
his or her application is in the process.
And let us say for example, the application would have been receiving the attention of, let
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us say, the fire services department who electronically would have access to the application, from
the time they complete and they grant the approval, they hit a decision page, which is electronic,
and then the organization would know that the application benefited from the approval of Chief
Fire Officer, similarly with the other statutory agencies that have input in the application
consistent with the planning permission granted. So that is basically how it is intended to reduce
time significantly in terms of the current process where you have, you know, everybody doing
their application thereafter. Even WASA. WASA will be seeing—let us say you have a
development that requires a sewer or some kind of approval from the Water and Sewerage
Authority, they will be seeing and attending to the application almost simultaneously with the
other statutory agencies, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Mark: Mr. Chairman, I do not want to engage too much but one more. I want to just ask,
Mr. Seepaul, the municipal planning process dealing with simple development approvals or plans
that are to be approved, right, in terms of the technical and resource readiness of those bodies
within the regional bodies—corporations, municipality, boroughs—how far are we? Are we in a
state of readiness as we make that transition from where we are to where we want to be?
Mr. Seepaul: Thanks, member. If I have to respond in one word to your question, that word will
be “no”, but we are getting there. PS in the Ministry of Planning and Development has indicated
that the establishment of the municipal as well as the national planning agencies is a collaborative
effort between Ministry of Planning and Development as well as the Ministry of Rural
Development and Local Government. What is taking place right now is an exercise to ensure that
there is readiness. Readiness takes place on different fronts. For example, to ensure that the
automating of the process is fully implemented at the regional corporations, the resourcing in
terms of HR at these municipal corporations is another critical exercise and I believe this is what
you are asking.
One of the areas that the Ministry is focusing on right now as well, the Ministry of
Planning and Development, is to ensure that the HR skills required in this process is transferred
to the personnel at the respective municipal corporations. We are also focused on getting
additional skills, additional positions to outfit these corporations at the present time. PS Deoraj
would have indicated that a pilot exercise is due to begin at the Port of Spain City Corporation
early in 2020. We are looking at that exercise to determine—as a test case to determine how
efficient it will be, what the needs will be based on the results of this exercise. So we are in the
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process of addressing the needs.

My colleague would have indicated that at present, there is basically one Building
Inspector assigned to each municipal corporation. Maybe there are exceptions in the cities and
in boroughs but this definitely cannot work. One officer cannot effectively address this area of
the building process and in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Development, we are
working out the needs to determine how best we can staff the corporations when these agencies
are established.
Mr. Chairman: Okay. Member Jennings-Smith.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: I would like to follow up because from what you just said, Mr. Seepaul,
you are dealing with situations which you have no power to make a change in. Okay? Quite
clearly, we are looking at the weakest link and giving them the greatest amount of authority right
now and the weakest link comes from the local government authority and they have the power
for enforcement. From what I have listened this morning, it would appear to me that they are the
weakest link given the greatest level of authority of enforcement. And coming out from the
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Development as well as Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, you both admitted that action—they are
loathe to taking action in a particular one or another.
So that I am thinking I want to get a response. All of you are aware of the challenges but
what I heard coming out from two persons here, two major stakeholders here, is the fact that data
is not readily available to all. I heard some differences in delivery from Mr. Chadee that data is
shared. Right. Do we have data—I am going to say it again, because listening to the issues here,
land development, land developers and all these things, that is not secret data and I want to ask
you to both answer me again. Is data readily available at the same time to all the players within
your organizations? And when—I mean the collaborative organization which you have, the
planning organization. Is data readily and available at the same time to all of these agencies or it
is not? Because I heard two different views coming out from both you and the Permanent
Secretary of the Rural Development and the Permanent Secretary of the Planning and
Development. So I want to hear now. Is it available or is it not available? And data which could
be actioned, and when I say that, what I mean is data that relates to applications.
And I would tell you why I am asking you that question, because the developers as well
as local persons who build from time to time which cause flooding eventually, they know the link,
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they know the loopholes, right, and they have a process which they do their business too. So
things start and they know they did not get approval but they tend to do it in a hidden way where
they conceal the fronts and they engage in development nevertheless and they know that they
have a constitutional right when they go to the court for settlement and these types of things. So
they know the loophole in the system and they work with the loophole, they do not work within
the law. As long as they realize that they are not going to get approvals, they work within the
loopholes.
So I want to ask you all again, my first question: What is really happening. Are we sharing
information? And bearing in mind that we have the weakest link to do monitoring and
enforcement. Given that as the scenario, we as planners, what are we doing about that? We are
not yet into the future where we would have these organizations’ legislation. What are we doing
now to make a difference? And I want the two persons to answer me because I really want to be
clear on what really is data to you all and what is being shared.
Ms. Deoraj: Okay, thank you, member. I will try to give a short—
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Very short, yeah.
Ms. Deoraj: No, I will try to answer as comprehensively as possible based on what you are
saying. So I am hearing a number of things. Whether we have the data on applications, I think
yes. We can tell you how many applications come into Town and Country Planning by the
regions, how many were refused and in each application, we could—
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: So good, we would be shorter. So like all the applications that were
refused, right, is it shared instantly with the other players?
Ms. Deoraj: At this time no, because if your application is refused because it starts here, your
application comes into Town and Country Planning and—[Interruption] Yes, with regional
corporations and then if there is no approval, then regional corporation knows that this person did
not get and why did they not get the approval. So there is a record of why that happens.
Now, if we have someone developing even though they got refusal and they are
developing, then there is an enforcement mechanism that can be taken which is what the regional
corporation can do. Now if someone has an application that was approved and they are doing
things that are not in compliance with what we had approved, then based on what it is, if it is poor
setbacks or if it is an addition or against a house or if it is drainage, then we can take enforcement
action on them as well as the other entities.
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So at this point in time, you do not get that shared database which we are hoping to get,
which is intended to get under the construction permitting process. The construction permitting
process would see all applications coming into the Town and Country Planning at this point and
then to the municipal planning authorities in the future. When that happens, all entities, which
will be WASA, fire services, local government, all the entities who are involved in the approval
process will see the application and they will see the different stages of the application. So if the
application at the first point is refused, all the other actors in the process will see it.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Great. So within your Ministry, Ministry of Planning and Development,
do you have a policing agency? When I say policing agency, a section within the Ministry to
monitor and to guide enforcement.
Ms. Deoraj: Right, so we do have an enforcement unit in the Ministry of Planning and
Development under the Town and Country Planning Division which does just that. They do the
enforcement against persons who we have had complaints. They go out in the field, they gather
the information and they build the recommendation to enforce and we could provide that in detail.
Mr. Chairman: Ms. Deoraj, if I may? Member, before you came in, there was a lot of
discussions on enforcement overall and a lot of questions on the approvals as well.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: No, Mr. Chairman, I am coming to a final question. I want to get her
information before I conclude.
Mr. Chairman: Yes, please.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: So since you said that, are you admitting that that enforcement process
at that section is not adequately meeting because the problem still exists? So are you now
suggesting that legislation might be the way to go?
Ms. Deoraj: I do not know if legislation, we have—
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: So could you answer the first question first?
Ms. Deoraj: Okay.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Like are you convinced now that that enforcement unit is not giving us
the desired outcome?
Ms. Deoraj: No, I do not agree with that statement because based on how we have enforcement,
we have a process that takes you to court and we have more than 100 cases in the court at the
moment. It may not be the type of enforcement people want to hear about because people want
to hear about the big things because they might be small enforcement and enforcement order
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because there is a process that takes it to the court. So what we do have is that we do not have
the numbers. We have only 12 enforcement officers now to deal with Trinidad and Tobago and
that in itself is a challenge. We have had over 3,000 cases to assess and look at and then come to
the conclusion of taking it to court.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: So wait, I want to shorten it. I will ask the PS from Ministry of Rural
Development and Local Government. So therefore when it is recommended that there are
problems with this, whether it is a building or it is a development and there is a problem,
prevention is always better than dealing with the after effect. Do you see within your Ministry
what you can do differently now to prevent the continuation? Because you do have a municipal
police department now within the regional corporations and you have a lot more added on to your
strength. What new initiative have you engaged to properly and effectively utilize the municipal
police officers who are within your confines to ensure that we prevent? Because simply
patrolling, checking, monitoring, people will know you are looking at them and they will stop.
Tell me what new you have done since the engagement of additional municipal police to your
division?
Mr. Ameeral: Mr. Chairman, just permit me please to deal with the issue of data and then I
could probably come back to the issue of the municipal police. Mr. Chairman, a well-designed
asset management system with a comprehensive database can provide information for the life
cycle of an asset. Well-trained personnel are needed to provide the technical and other support
needed to design, develop and manage the GIS and to provide analysis support to users. Having
said that, Mr. Chairman, I just want to indicate that the corporations themselves do not have
capacity to deal with GIS and GIS mapping and GIS spatial data collection and mapping and
overlays and so on. If the data we are speaking about is basically on applications and internal
data with respect to the process of the applications, I can say comfortably that all corporations
would be in a position to provide that data and they can in fact share data if it is necessary among
corporations.
Mr. Chairman, the Local Area and Regional Planning and Development Unit has been
working alongside the Senior Disaster Co-ordinator in collecting information from the disaster
management units within the municipal corporations. They collect the data to assist with the issue
of flooding and I can probably feel comfortable to say that within the last probably three flooding,
2017, 2018, based on the information received from the regional corporation by way of Excel
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information, not necessarily GIS, the GIS officer at the Ministry would have properly mapped
those flooding for those flood events in 2018, I believe it is in 2017 also.
With respect to, Mr. Chairman, the municipal police, by virtue of the position they hold
as municipal police, each municipal police officer is in fact a litter warden and can in fact issue
clean-up orders and take action with respect to people who are engaged in illegal dumping and
also I have seen situations where recently a municipal corporation would have taken before the
court somebody with respect to the breach of the Litter Act and judgment was given against the
officer.
So the initiative that we are using at the Ministry with respect to the municipal police, one
is to ensure that they understand their role in addition to policing issues to that of enforcement of
the Litter Act and also the corporations themselves will take the necessary steps at the level of the
council to take action, if it is necessary, with respect to clean-up orders and there are some other
orders that are issued.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Mr. Ameeral, you are not answering my question. I am asking a simple
question. You have recently been given additional manpower resources. Right. I am simply
asking you as the Deputy Permanent Secretary in Rural Development, what additional functions
have you aligned with respect to the role and functions of the municipal police to assist you
because we talked about shortage of manpower and human resources, but certainly I identified
two things for you: monitoring, patrolling and checking before things actually happened. You
have information early that these particular issues were not approved or they have problems. But
what happens between they have problems, they have been going to the court, a whole
development takes place and it becomes difficult at the level of court. You talk about settlement
and things like that. But you have in your hand an additional amount of officers which you can
also use for monitoring and preventing things from happening. I am asking you as the Deputy
Permanent Secretary, what have you done to ensure that they are utilized more effectively seeing
that you have more manpower at your hand? What did you do with the coming, within recent
time, three months ago, of these additional persons? What have you done to improve the situation
with respect to having them engaged in activities that would help to alleviate persons breaking
the law? Simply that.
Mr. Chairman: Mr. Ameeral, before you answer, would you be able to provide the Committee
with a response to that in writing with particular details?
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Mrs. Jennings-Smith: But, Mr. Chairman, that is a one sentence “eh know”. I was asking him
if he even made an attempt to do something on that. Simply that I am asking you. I do not want
a long diagram. I do not want a long discourse. I want to know have you thought about it. Did
you do it? Did you engage a conversation with your staff? What have you done? Because this
is something we have brought on municipal officers and those are some of their functions. We
have a police service “eh know” and we have a municipal to deal with municipal issues. I want
to know did you think about that as a Deputy Permanent Secretary.
Mr. Chairman: Okay, Mr. Ameeral, yeah briefly and in addition, could you also in terms of a
more detailed response in writing because we want to bring the discussion squarely back to
flooding and the time is getting a bit shorter and I know Dr. Cooper is probably wondering why
he is here. So we would like to bring him into the conversation please when you give your
response. Thank you.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Mr. Chairman, I want to get just one sentence from him. One sentence.
Mr. Ameeral: Mr. Chairman, that question could be better answered if I redirect to the Deputy
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Seepaul as he might be the officer at the Ministry who is responsible
for municipal police.
Mr. Chairman: Yes, please, sure.
Mr. Seepaul: Thank you, member. Mr. Chairman, the point being raised by the member is a
very, very valid one, especially because of the prevailing situations that take place throughout the
country. What I can say is that the Ministry provides an oversight role. The head of the municipal
police service, the Assistant Commissioner of Police is actually based at the Ministry of Rural
Development and Local Government. What has been advised is that with the additional
workforce as far as the municipal police officers are concerned that are being deployed at the
various municipal corporations, they can assist in surveillance of areas that may be subject to
illegal developments and they can work closely with the building inspectorate to take a necessary
prohibitive action.
However, we have to understand that the municipal corporations are themselves entities
that are independent and they are responsible for making decisions but yes, our ACP is aware of
the assistance that the additional police force can provide in addressing these concerns.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Last question. So basically, you understand that?
Mr. Seepaul: Yes.
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Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Have you made any intervention to allow him to be empowered to do
same as well as intervention to equip him with the information that you also received from the
Ministry of Planning where we have applications being denied? Have you engaged that thought?
Mr. Seepaul: Mr. Chairman, at this point in time, I cannot say that that conversation has taken
place but again, it is something that can be considered and we can engage in interacting with the
various agencies responsible.
Mr. Chairman: Okay, thank you, member. Dr. Cooper, the Committee has been going through
the response from the university and there are some very telling remarks and recommendations
but in particular in terms of addressing the challenges with implementing flood alleviation and
control measures, what I am picking up, amongst the many recommendations, each one key in its
own regard, is when you refer to—I will just read from your response:
A lack of information on the real cost of floods for properly quantifying their impact on
the economy and hence to justify expenditure for flood risk management strategies.
And then you go on to say possible obstacles.
12.00 p.m.
You had spoken about an apathy with regard to the whole question of flooding, and you
come back to say that all of the above can be solved, in fact all of your recommendations, if apathy
is removed. And then you go on to say that that perhaps, requires very conclusive evidence of
the true cost of flooding to the economy. So, I am picking up a heavy emphasis on us being able
to establish the true cost of flooding to the economy and the possibility with that study, that being
able to lift us up or make us realize in no uncertain terms, you know, that flooding deserves the
sort of capital expenditure that has been identified in many of the studies. Are you aware of any
studies being done in this regard to establish the cost of flooding to the country?
Dr. Cooper: Mr. Chairman, no I cannot say that there is any study that I know of. I know of the
various consultancies that have been established over the years. And each time—they normally
tend to go with structural measures, and each time the structural measures seem to be so
expensive, the benefit to cost ratio is so small. And it is because there is always the uncertainty
about whether they have been considering the full cost of flooding. And for that reason, you
know, we go with study over study over study, and we commit ourselves to various expenditure
with regard to performing studies, and the results are always the same; there is insufficient
information to accurately determine whether this particular measure is feasible, economically
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feasible.
It just struck me that we perhaps are not ready. And most times, the consultancies are
from overseas. They come with a particular expectation that the information would be available
and they would be properly able to do their work. And so, it comes back to the critical importance
for us to decide on getting the information, the data that we need, so that we can properly, you
know, determine what it is that floods mean to us. There are all sorts of things that we have not
considered; not least of which is the psychological trauma that it causes. I am sure there are
techniques for us to factor these things in, so that we can make some better assessment of these
various measures that we propose.
So even when we talk about rationalizing all of these studies that we have done in the past,
without that bit of information, we are still unsure as to the effectiveness of these things. So that
was really my concern.
Mr. Chairman: Okay, because one of the recommendations as well, or the issue is that you say
the uncertainty about appropriate flood protection level for designing storm water management
infrastructure. So you are highlighting the uncertainty of the appropriate flood protection level
for designing, based on lack or poor data or lack of data, and then it begs the question. The
recommendations that the studies are coming up with, and they are establishing cost for
implementation of capital projects, if the data is poor and the uncertainty is there, do you think
that there is a high possibility that the cost, the capital cost, assigned to alleviation works could
be grossly overestimated? Because with poor data coming forward and all of this uncertainty,
there is built-in contingencies in coming up and it could be that some of these corrective
alleviation works are grossly overestimated, and as a result when the agencies see the high cost
associated, they just push it aside.
Dr. Cooper: I do not think it might be too difficult for them to get the cost of the capital works
wrong. But it might be a question of the appropriate sizing.
So, if they, for example, are saying that we are designing for the 50-year event, there
would be a particular size associated with that, based on the information, the hydrological
information that they have. So the capital works, perhaps, and they would say that we would
need to store so much and therefore the dam should be that high and so on, and the embankments
should be this much. But the question really is: Do we need the one in 50-year event? Is that the
sort of level that we should be working at? And if we are working at the one in 50-year event,
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what are the cost savings? What are the flood savings that we are going to get? And I think that
is more the problem, identification of the savings that will accrue for that particular level of
infrastructure.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Dr. Cooper. It was brought to my attention that in 2010, the JCC,
the Joint Consultative Committee, made efforts at establishing a storm water management
committee. And I understand you were the chairman of that committee and you all would have
done some work under that committee. Would you care to enlighten this committee as to what
that storm water management committee had, the work done?
Dr. Cooper: I do not think it got very far, I must admit. We were looking at—I think our focus
was really leading towards the establishment of a drainage code or maybe a storm water manager
code which, in fact as we speak now, is absent. The drainage division does not have a code to
give potential developers for doing their infrastructural work. The committee had that in mind.
We started looking at, I think, the Port of Spain proposals. But ultimately we were hoping to have
gotten to the stage where we got motion in place to have the establishment of a storm water
management policy or code, so that developers would have some kind of basis upon which they
could work with, including the return periods.
Mr. Chairman: Okay, are there any documentation or reports from that committee that you
could forward to this committee, you could make available so?
Dr. Cooper: I can check. We might have some minutes, if I am not mistaken.
Mr. Chairman: Yes, so we would have the benefit of the findings that you all came up with.
Dr. Cooper: I am not too sure we got very far, but at least the intention was there.
Mr. Chairman: You mentioned a governance structure for flood management in your opening
remarks. And I was just thinking if that, from the perspective of the University of the West Indies,
if you can provide to this Committee in writing any recommendations as to the methodology, the
framework and the operational philosophy, the different agencies and their roles, if you all could
provide this committee in writing with any recommendations, we would appreciate that greatly.
Dr. Cooper: Thank you.
Mr. Paray: Thank you very much. Dr. Cooper can you tell me the size of your department at
UWI in terms of, is it a committee or a department?
Dr. Cooper: I say department. You are talking about the—
Mr. Paray: Numbers.
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Dr. Cooper: In terms of our—

Mr. Paray: Engineering staff.
Dr. Cooper:—engineering staff to look after flooding in particular?
Mr. Paray: Yeah, yeah.
Dr. Cooper: Maybe about four or five lecturers who are in some ways involved in providing that
kind of expertise. But there are other expertise, I guess, around the campus. I am thinking of a
few engineers. The Food Production might have one. The geomatics department is very much
important for the spatial issues. And I guess to some extent we have the economics, the faculty
of management studies, I am not sure I have gotten the name right, who would look after issues
about the economic cost of flooding.
Mr. Paray: Do you think as a university, that you may be better tooled in terms of manpower
and range and scope than even some of the configuration in our Ministries? Do you think as a
grouping that you may be better tooled than some of them?
Dr. Cooper: So, I am a little bit unsure as to what you mean by the tooling, because—
Mr. Paray: Okay, when you have a Ministry with one engineer who is responsible for an entire
municipality, but I have five engineers sitting at UWI, I am wondering, and I have two questions,
and perhaps if you cannot answer that yet, you may answer it after, because I have two questions
that may open up that conversation, the few minutes that we have. The first question is—and I
know we have two or one climatologist here in charge of environment, and in a nutshell, if you
can tell the viewing audience here: What is in store for Trinidad and Tobago in the mid and long-
term in terms of this evolution in our climatic patterns? What is the impact that we can expect as
an island state, in terms of sea level, rainfall, erosion? And understanding that, what is the work
ahead? Because we have 60 years of unplanned buildings, drainage systems that have collapsed
in some areas. We have a problem. And then all I have heard today is a lot of legislation and
what we are going to do to prevent it going forward. But we have this issue of the island where
2,000 square miles. We are going to get floods. We are at the mercy of the tides. The water has
to go somewhere.
So if the climatologist can give us an idea of what we can expect in the next 10 to 15 years.
Dr. Cooper the idea here is, if your organization is better tooled to help our Ministries prepare for
what is coming. That is what I want to know because that is very important. Because if we keep
hearing of manpower issues in our Ministries and you have resources and tools, and perhaps as a
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State we can tool you even better because you have the manpower, probably that will be where
we need to guide policy direction going forward to address the issues of the climate change that
is coming. So, perhaps, the environmentalists who are in our Ministries could probably just start
and you can follow. Thank you.
Ms. Deoraj: So member, I would pass on to Dr. Persad. I do not know if we can predict
everything that is going to happen. There is certainly a number of things that we can do under
mitigation. And that certainly has been the thrust of the Ministry of Planning and Development,
in terms of looking at what are the impacts of climate change and how we as a country deal with
it. So I will pass you on to the experts in this area. Thank you.
Dr. Persad: Thank you very much members. So we have conducted fairly recently, through a
technical cooperation with the European Union, climate change vulnerability study looking at
seven key sectors, which are the agriculture and fruits authority, water resources, human health,
costal resources and fisheries, human settlements and infrastructure, biodiversity, the financial
sector, including insurance. That was done on the island of Trinidad.
With regard to the island of Tobago, the stakeholders in Tobago wanted to do it in a
holistic manner so they did an integrated vulnerability study for the entire island of Tobago, and
those reports did give certain elements on dealing with the vulnerabilities in these different areas
and certain actions that would have to be undertaken. So that study is available and we are looking
to update some of the information that came out of that study on future scenarios. I do not know
if Ms. Woo-Gabriel who coordinated the implementation of this project would like to elaborate
further.
Ms. Leung Woo-Gabriel: So, in the study it was published January 2019. It is available on the
Ministry of Planning and Development’s website on the front page and in each of the sectors, as
we speak to flooding, certain key vulnerable areas were identified in the study and just for the
members to know, all stakeholders. We had an extensive amount of working groups from all
Ministries, all entities that are here in the room and not here, to deal with the matter and they
contributed to the report as well. And in the report all the areas, more or less the entire of Trinidad
and Tobago, is vulnerable but, we all know of the key communities that always have the impacts
that we have seen over the last few years and then recommendations were made on the study,
which we have shared with all the entities to take forward.
We are also updating it currently under scenarios for 2030 and the year 2050, in terms of
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the risk to climate change and the predicted impacts. Although it is not an exact science, we have
predictions and those maps were done for the study and same thing, all the stakeholders here were
involved. That is currently being reviewed and would be finalized soon and obviously would be
shared with everyone.
Mr. Paray: Dr. Cooper, I am sure that you would have had access to those studies that the lady
in the back there would have referred to. Have you seen those studies, those reports?
Dr. Cooper: No, not as yet. I have seen other studies.
Mr. Paray: What I am hoping to achieve, at the end of this Committee is that knowing that the
studies have been done, we need to do something with the water. The water is going to keep
coming and it is either we put it in a storage somewhere, in a pond, in a dam, or we put it under
people’s homes. Because we are not going to move communities from where they are.
For instance Mafeking, Mafeking has been there for the last 80 years. One of the
recommendations I saw on the submission was that you move this community. I tell you these
people are not going to move. Unless you get a court order and shackle them out how, they are
not going to move. How do we reduce the 12 feet of water that goes into Mafeking probably
down to 24 inches; the engineering solution that is required to do that in several communities?
Because moving communities, handling issues like illegal land development when structures are
already up, I do not think any court is going to ask anybody to break any of those things down.
So, the thing is, if we have these studies, 2030/2050, and we do not have the resources
from agencies like yours where you have manpower, you have the training, you have more
resources in terms of the study component, the technology component probably what is staffed in
our Ministries, what is your role in assisting the State in finding a technological solution to put
this water somewhere? Because it is going to keep coming and we cannot move people and the
communities, we are locked in 2,000 square miles of land. So, perhaps if you can just respond to
that. Thank you.
Dr. Cooper: So, I would not believe that it is only a technological solution. I do not think you
were suggesting that. Because, for one the economics, perhaps just would not allow it. I think I
mentioned at the start of the session that when we are talking of flood resilience we are really
talking about five approaches. There is the flood prevention, which is really trying to keep people
away from the water; the flood defence, and I guess the Ministry of Planning and Development
and Town and Country Planning would be looking at that, and even the flood hazard maps that is
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identifying the areas that are prone to flooding. And if we have the opportunity we can try to
avoid approving development within these particular areas.
And the second one is flood defence, and the drainage division, perhaps, would be the
champions there, which is really keeping the water away from people, keeping the water out. So
the embankments and the detention basins, and so on, we are talking about. That is perhaps, I
think that is mainly our emphasis now. They are expensive and we, perhaps would have to look
at having that as one part of our tool but not the only one.
Flood mitigation, which is perhaps lifting homes, providing the opportunity for people to
have sand bags when it is so required. The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government
would be that kind of agency.
Then there is the preparation, which is perhaps the most important one because if we are
caught with a case where we just cannot move people, we are not prepared to move people, then
there is the issue about having an early flood warning system and having a well thought-out
evacuation plan, so that once the warning has been issued, persons are able to respond in an
orderly way. And again, that is the local government responsibility. And then the other one is
how do you recover after that, an opportunity for in fact doing things differently.
With respect to the department, when I said we have five engineers it is not to say we are
waiting and doing nothing, of course. We have our teaching duties as well. But the department
can provide, I guess, some kind of assistance with respect to, perhaps, customizing programmes
that might be required, most probably at the tertiary level, the post-graduate level, where there
are particular needs and the various Ministries would want to get that kind of expertise.
And then we have opportunities, of course, for providing research and of course the
research would be coming from persons who are actually working there and they have their
particular problems that they wish to solved. So they come to the department and the department
would provide the adequate supervision. Perhaps, we will get the tools required for doing models
with good hardware facilities, powerful computers that are able to do the simulations.
And I guess the other thing is being part of the development of the flood hazard maps
where we are able to perform our hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to provide, I guess, better
quality and more accurate maps. So I am not too sure if I answered your question.
Mr. Paray: Yes, you did. I just want to close off with a comment for my part, in that I would
like to see the University of the West Indies play a more crucial role in assisting the State in
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finding solutions, not only for flooding. We are, I mean, we are laden with problems in this
country and we have the finest minds at the University of the West Indies. And if I have my way
as a member of this committee, in terms of when we file a report, I would like to see the State
move up this quarter per cent of investment in UWI, in terms of research and development, a
more substantial value. Because I see, when you look at other countries, the roles that their
universities play in finding solutions going forward and even assisting with national policy
development. I would like to see the UWI play a more substantive role in solving some of the
problems for this country. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman: Let me allow—
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Thanks very much—
Mr. Chairman: He has a question in connection with—
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Sorry, I thought you were—okay.
Mr. Mark: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to ask Dr. Cooper: How would, or what
impact would a drainage code or storm water management policy or code have on our flood
management and control in T&T, given the experience that may have taken place in other
jurisdictions where you have that kind of policy or code in existence?
Mr. Chairman: Dr. Cooper, before you answer. Mrs. Jennings-Smith, was there a question to
Dr. Cooper as well?
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: I will give way to him.
Mr. Chairman: No, if you want, you could ask the question. If it is to him, at the same time.
So in the—
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: No.
Mr. Chairman:—time we have he could probably respond to both questions.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: No, my question. I became very intrigued by the fact that the Ministry
of Planning and Development had done a study, which was circulated and it was very interesting
to hear that it did not reach to the eyes of the Faculty of Engineering at the university, and I
wondered what guided your studies. Because I looked at the flooding in Greenvale and other
places, even in the city, and there is one catchment area. And I am certain that the Ministry of
Planning and Development would have pointed out some of the vulnerable areas. And an
interesting study done like that by the Ministry of Planning and Development, how come it did
not reach to the attention of your department?
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I really wanted to bring up that and to ask you what guided your studies, in terms of
helping Trinidad and Tobago when I know that the Ministry of Planning and Development is the
agency responsible for all planning and development and everything that has to do with our
country, Trinidad and Tobago. So what really guides your activity, and do you share it with the
Ministry of Works and Transport? And do you have a relationship with the Ministry of Planning
and Development?
Mr. Chairman: Okay, so Dr. Cooper, we are just challenging you to—because we just have
probably about three or four minutes. So if you can work within that.
Dr. Cooper: So, maybe I can answer Sen. Mark. So it is really about providing some sort of
coherence within the industry, with respect to solutions that are adopted, as well as the techniques
used for determining how large the various drains and culverts and bridges should be.
What is happening now is that there are various techniques and procedures being used that
sometimes may not be compatible. Sometimes it certainly will streamline the approval process,
because the Drainage Division would have this particular approach that has to be followed. And
when the various plans are submitted, there is a little bit more ease of seeing exactly how it was
applied. And it is much easier to pick up errors/weaknesses in the actual presentation within the
design, so that they are able to better address the developers’ designs.
The issue also of—and I think the Chairman talked about it—the return period. Is it five
years, 10 years 25 years? That is also going to be part of the drainage code, specification that for
a particular type of development we should be designing facilities that have this low-level risk
and not lower or not higher. So it is streamlining the industry with the construction process.
Mr. Mark: Mr. Chairman, may I just follow-up? In your submission, Dr. Cooper, you
made mention that the University of the West Indies, over the last 50 years, has produced over
1,500 civil and environmental engineers. We have, according to your submission, the local
expertise. But it seems to be misplaced or they are being under-utilized in this country and we
have this penchant or propensity for foreign consultancies in this country of T&T.
So I wanted to ask you, you know, given this amount of engineers in our midst in T&T,
why it is our country, as Mr. Paray asked a short while ago, why are we so vulnerable and every
year, because of so-called climate change or changes that are occurring, we are becoming more
inundated as the rains pour from the skies and we get a lot of water on the surface? Why is that
so? So I wanted you to share with this Committee, very briefly, in the last two minutes, and
295
maybe you could put it in writing too: Where have we gone wrong with all this expertise and yet
still the country is overwhelmed whenever it rains?
12.30 p.m.
Dr. Cooper: Yeah. So, we do have quite an impressive record of producing competent engineers,
but the decision is not always with the engineers. I guess there is no solution without a political
solution and that, I guess, is really the problem.
Drainage typically has been given low priority. Over the years, if you look at the sort of—
I guess the moneys that have been expended in various types of infrastructure and you compare
that with what has been allocated for storm water management work, you would find that it is a
very, very small percentage. So, I think therein is the problem. It is the appreciation that storm
water management is an important undertaking and if we ignore it, it is to our peril. And I think
there is no choice we have now but really to start providing it with the sort of attention that it
deserves.
Mr. Chairman: I will just allow Mrs. Jennings-Smith for the last question.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: I realized he did not answer my question.
Dr. Cooper: Well, I was interrupted, sorry.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: I really need it to be answered because I am concerned. We have a
university which this Government invests in. And coming from a Ministry, myself, I am
concerned as to your relationship— because we could produce a 100,000 engineers but in a
country it is structured relationship we have with different Ministries having different
responsibilities, and I am concerned as to how you relate to the Ministry of Planning and
Development, the Ministry of Works and Transport. Could you tell the country how you relate
to them?
Dr. Cooper: Okay so, I am from just one department of the University and my focus is rather
specific. My focus is on flooding, water resources and I guess a little bit of environment. We
have been involved from time to time. When we are approached, we certainly make ourselves
available to provide whatever expertise, sitting on any committees that we have been asked to sit
on, and we provide, I think, you know, all of the expertise that is available. The issue of ivory
tower, I think comes about—
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Could you tell me when last—when was the last time you had a
relationship where you submitted your expertise information to either of the Ministries, either
296
Ministry of Planning and Development or Ministry of Works and Transport? When was the last
time?
Dr. Cooper: Last week, I guess.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: Did you submit a report to them?
Dr. Cooper: No, no. There was some training. We were involved in some training.
Mrs. Jennings-Smith: When was the last time you submitted a report based on an issue of
flooding?
Dr. Cooper: Well, submitted is the issue. We would have collaborated with the Ministry of
Works and Transport. We are involved now on a particular problem dealing with the Caroni
River and that report, in fact, will be submitted very soon. So to answer your question, we are
very much involved.
Mr. Chairman: Okay. I think in terms of closing comments, I will not invite that because we
are really at the end of our time. But I would really like to extend our thanks on behalf of the
Committee to all the officials who are here. I think you would realize, you know, that I think the
Committee is trying to really get a complete picture of the challenges that we face with regard to
flood mitigation, flood alleviation and everything that goes with it. And other than the question
of enforcement, there is legislation and the hard part of it, the structural part of it, overall. And I
think we recognize that the studies are focused a lot on the structural part, but now we are looking
at a whole integrated approach to this present problem. And with all that the Ministries and the
agencies have going on, you have this additional work now coming up with all of these things.
But I trust you would appreciate that the intention of the Committee is genuine. We are
looking to really find solutions to this tremendous national problem that we have. And I want to
assure you that the time spent, and your responses, and your attendance at the enquires is
definitely going to have a positive impact on the report that is formed to be laid in the Parliament.
And it definitely is a tremendous contribution to this exercise.
So I would like to thank you all again, for being here. I would like to thank all members
of the Committee. I would like to thank the Secretary to the Committee, Mrs. Angelique Massiah
and also the staff of Parliament that forms the Secretariat of this Committee. Thank you and this
meeting is adjourned.
12.35 p.m.: Meeting adjourned.
297
APPENDIX VII
CONSTRUCTION PERMITTING
SYSTEM
298
299
300
301
302
APPENDIX VIII
DETAILS ON THE NUMBER OF
NON-FUNCTIONNIG SLUICE GATES
AND PUMPS IN NEED OF REPAIR
303
304
APPENDIX IX
AREAS SUSCEPTIBLE TO
FLOODING OPDM’S HISTORICAL
DATA FOR THE PERIOD 1999-2011
305
Source: MoPD’s submission October 21, 2019
306
APPENDIX X
SUMMARY OF
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM
MOWT’S COMPLETED STUDIES
307
308
309

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Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure

An electronic copy of this report can be found on the Parliament’s website:

Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical

An inquiry into Flood Alleviation and Control

Tenth Report of Fifth Session 2019/2020, Eleventh

Date Laid Date Laid

THE JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON LAND AND

Functions and Powers

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

THA Tobago House of Assembly

The Policies Directed at Protection of the Coastal Areas in Tobago ................................................ 54

The National Climate Outlook Forum ................................................................................................... 88

Enforcement on illegal structures on Private lands ............................................................................ 108

Status of Recommendations from MoWT’s Studies........................................................................... 121

Spatial Data to assist with flooding issues in Tobago ......................................................................... 141

The Lengthy Timeframe for Enforcement ......................................................................................... 162

4. Thereafter, the Committee held three (3) public hearings.

1st Public Hearing - November 19, 2019

Ministry of Works and Transport

Ms. Dhanmattee Ramdath Permanent Secretary (Ag.)

Mr. Shastri Gunness Director of Drainage (Ag.)

Mr. Navin Ramsingh Chief Technical Officer (Ag.)

Mr. Kerry Sheppard Director Coastal Protection Unit

Mr. Muhammad Baksh Civil Engineer I

2nd Public Hearing – November 26, 2019

Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government

Ms. Desdra Bascombe Permanent Secretary

Mr. Raymond Seepaul Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)

Mr. Jameel Chadee Ameeral Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)

Mr. Jerry David Senior Disaster Management Coordinator

Mr. Saheed Shah Technical Officer (Ag.)

Ministry of Public Utilities (MPU)

Ms. Nicolette Duke Permanent Secretary (Ag.)

Ms. Beverly Khan Deputy Permanent Secretary

Mr. David Manswell General Manager, Communications, Sales, Marketing,

Mr. Kenneth Kerr Chief Climatologist (Ag.) Met Services

Mr. Keith Meade Senior Manager, Water Resource Agency

Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD)

Ms. Joanne Deoraj Permanent Secretary

Dr. Ancil Kirk Assistant Coordinator

Ms. Erica Campbell Senior Land Use Planner

Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment Tobago House of Assembly

Councillor Kwesi Des Vignes Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and the

Mr. Abdallah Chadband Senior Technical Coordinator

Mr. Howard Dobin Climate Change Specialist

Faculty of Engineering University of the West Indies (UWI)

3rd Public Hearing – December 4, 2019

Ministry of Planning and Development

Ms. Joanne Deoraj Permanent Secretary

Dr. Ancil Kirk Assistant Coordinator

Ms. Erica Campbell Senior Land Use Planner

Dr. David Persad Environmental Manager, Environmental Policy and

Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government

Mr. Jameel Chadee Ameeral Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)

Mr. Raymond Seepaul Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)

Mr. Saheed Shah Technical Officer (Ag.)

Mr. Jerry David Senior Disaster Management Coordinator

Faculty of Engineering University of the West Indies (UWI)

Dr. Vincent Cooper Expert in Water Management

38. Frequent siltation is occurring because of poor land use practices.

59. Flooding in or around developments in Tobago is influenced by tides, topography, changes in

The Challenges Associated with Flood Alleviation and Control Measures

Recommendations to improve the Current Policies and Measures for Flood