Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert says the ultimate solution to the flooding that has been experienced by those who live close to river banks in flood prone areas may be to have them relocated.

Imbert said this may well be the case for Lisa Maraj and her neighbours who live close to the banks of the river in Diego Martin behind the area’s taxi stand since such a proposal would ensure their safety at a minimal cost to the State.

Maraj and her neighbours fear the increased erosion of the banks caused by heavy rains that fell from Thursday to Saturday was threatening the stability of their homes.

’And that’s one of things we will have to start looking at. I get many requests all the time to build retaining walls in rivers when I look at the cost of the retaining wall is $3 million. When I look at the cost of HDC house, it’s $200,000,’ Imbert said.

Maraj said:’What I think about that is nonsense because from the beginning this (flooding) is a situation that has been happening year after year after year, you understand so this is something (that) could be fixed. It not too late. It could be fixed and to our honourable Minister let’s get our priorities straight. Relocation is not an answer.’

But when Imbert visited Maraj’s home while the Express was there yesterday he mentioned nothing about the comments he made to reporters earlier about his relocation suggestion.

Instead, Imbert promised Maraj that the Works and Transport Ministry will construct a retaining wall during the dry season next year to keep the river’s waters at bay during heavy rainfall.