THE LESSON we learnt in 2004 was: don't build houses in wetlands. The images of misery in Portland Cottage are still fresh in our minds. What lesson can we learn from the year of extraordinary rainfall just ending?
The lasting images of 2005 must be the flooding in Kennedy Grove, Clarendon, and Nightingale Grove, St. Catherine. The rising flood waters in Cave Valley and New River, Porus, and so many other parts of our island, damaging homes and business places tell us that our planners and engineers don't seem to know as much about the geology of our island as we would like.
Jamaica is mostly limestone - the geologists call it karst - with numerous caves and complicated underground water systems, making it essential that proper studies be conducted before construction begins. The government agencies which give approval for building to commence have a public duty to do the necessary due diligence, no matter how long it takes, or more ill-conceived projects will 'fall through the cracks'.
If there is any lesson we learn from the unusual rains of 2005, it is that we appreciate the value of environmental impact assessments and the importance of following proper approval procedures. And it is an important lesson, for the scientists are predicting that 2006 will be more of the same - or worse!
But we know that our citizens - especially in rural areas - have grown accustomed to building their homes without any approvals whatsoever. Possibly, the majority of rural dwellings are constructed with not even Parish Council approvals.
We note the diligence with which Parish Councils in 2005 pursued their revenue from sign and advertising boards. They would be applauded if in 2006 they made sure that all buildings constructed in their parishes benefited from the sort of assessments which would prevent the tragic loss of life and property we have become accustomed to.
The relevant agencies must explain what is happening to the residents of the affected areas such as in Porus, Manchester, and Moneague, St. Ann, using graphic illustrations if necessary. A better understanding of the forces of nature should alleviate their anxiety.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
