The Ministry of Government Support Services (GSS) is working on measures that are expected to reduce flooding along the roadways in Providenciales.
In light of the recent heavy rains and subsequent flooding in both Providenciales and Grand Turk, Ministry Officials have reviewed the problem areas and historical records with a view to the design and implementation of effective preventative measures for the affected areas.
The Ministry notes that there have been some recent improvements with the installation of a number of wells, but acknowledges that much more needs to be done to improve situation.
In addition to a number of short term measures being undertaken by the Department, consultants are being engaged under a Caribbean Development Bank funded project to review and develop strategies and a plan to reduce storm-water flood risks to communities throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Project will map the levels of risk; identify and evaluate flood management options; undertake community vulnerability assessments; identify cost-effective drainage improvement measures; develop drainage policy and plans, as well as enhance the capacity of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to better manage flood hazards. The project will also assess the impact of projected sea level rise and other effects of climate change.
Among other things the consultants will investigate the extent of flooding and review of the existing management practices in an effort to determine levels of flooding that could occur during extreme rainfall events.
They will also seek to:
1. Understand the mechanics of the flooding from rainfall events as well as consider the impact of rising sea levels and climate change on the TCI;
2. Determine the locations that are prone to inundation and the amount of inundation that will occur from specific storm events; and
3. Conducting a Risk Assessment and develop an emergency plan and method to address the flooding that is occurring in order to mitigate damage.
