The Trinidadian government faces complex engineering challenges as it responds to the ongoing Piparo mud volcano eruption that damaged critical road infrastructure on December 24. During a recent site assessment, Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John revealed that comprehensive repairs would require approximately $20 million in funding, but cautioned that substantial reconstruction cannot proceed while volcanic activity continues.
Minister John emphasized the government’s cautious approach, stating: “We cannot commit to that kind of money until we know what is happening. So, we are really trying, and we use a lot of in-house resources to restore.” The minister returned to the affected area on December 31 alongside technical teams from her ministry, regional corporation officials, and Princes Town MP Aiyna Ali to oversee emergency restoration efforts.
Collaborative work between the Ministry’s Highways Division, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation, and Princes Town Regional Corporation has restored partial vehicular access to certain sections of Piparo Road. However, a critical 400-meter segment between the 1.7 km and 2.1 km markers remains closed due to unstable ground conditions, with authorities urging motorists to respect safety barriers and detour signage.
The human impact of the geological event has been substantial, with resident Kim Seebaran, 65, revealing the psychological toll on homeowners. “We do not know what is going to happen again,” Seebaran told reporters. “We, the residents, cannot sleep properly. It is a lot of stress that we have to go through.” The pensioner, whose home lies directly in the path of underground mud movement, is actively seeking rental accommodation as her roof structure shows signs of stress from subterranean shifts.
With rehabilitation work scheduled to continue through New Year’s Day, the government faces balancing immediate access needs with long-term geological uncertainty, while residents grapple with the third significant volcanic event to affect their community in recent history.