An elderly Barbadian man’s prolonged flooding ordeal has been resolved after public works crews cleared drainage debris linked to a government well installation. Seymour Burnett, 77, of Ashdeane Village, St Michael, had been virtually confined to his home due to persistent floodwaters that created accessibility challenges for the mobility-impaired pensioner.
The breakthrough came after St Michael North West MP Neil Rowe intervened, confirming that leftover materials from a previous contractor’s drainage operations had been completely removed. “I’m pleased to report that the debris has been eliminated, and I extend gratitude to the drainage department for their prompt action,” Rowe stated during an onsite assessment with Barbados TODAY.
On Tuesday, drainage department personnel executed comprehensive remediation work—extracting remaining debris, laying fresh milling material, and regrading the terrain to elevate it above water level. These measures specifically targeted flood mitigation for Burnett’s residence and adjacent properties.
The resolution follows escalating concerns last week regarding Burnett’s living conditions, where recurrent flooding compounded by severe mosquito infestations had created unhealthy circumstances. Local residents attributed these problems to inadequately maintained public drainage infrastructure.
Rowe acknowledged that initial remediation attempts in late 2023 had proven insufficient when a privately hired contractor removed approximately three skip-loads of debris but failed to complete the job. The MP formally apologized to Burnett and fellow residents for the inconvenience caused by these previous incomplete works.
The elderly beneficiary expressed profound relief at seeing conclusive action, voicing optimism that these latest interventions would deliver a permanent solution to the chronic flooding issues that had compromised his quality of life.