CASTRIES Mayor Peterson D. Francis has expressed major concern that the flooding in Castries last week was the result of indiscriminate littering and waste dumped in the city’s drains.
Indiscriminate garbage disposal is among the leading contributors to clogged drains and resulting flooding.
Mayor Francis is of the opinion that many citizens are silent enablers and contributors to indiscriminate garbage disposal.
According to the Castries Mayor, citizens must take individual responsibility for proper disposal of waste.
“Whilst we are doing our best in hauling persons before the courts, people throw all kinds of garbage into the drains and trenches thus obstructing the free flow of water.”
He added, “We should understand that Castries is below sea level and we must do everything that we can to not add to an existing problem and what affects us as it relates to climate change. We on a regular basis try our best to clean and clear the drains but this is not enough. There were also desilting works done but parts of the city still got flooded. We at this point need the assistance of the public to desist from that traditional yet ill-advised “anti-Saint Lucia” littering practice.”
The City Police remain vigilant and will help curb the littering problem in the City.
In the last year the Castries City Constabulary arrested and charged over twenty individuals for littering.