Residents of Brownstown in the NorthEastern section of St Vincent says a sea wall which was a promise by the current representative Dr Ralph Gonsalves over three terms now is long overdue.
In speaking to News784, one resident says the sea has encroached on the playing field which is no longer in use and also has over the last nine years destroyed ten houses due to wave action.
News784 understands that about ten years ago the government was making plans to put an administrative centre in the area. However, Engineers from the Ministry of Transport and Works indicated that it would not have been possible without a sea defence.
Ministry officials say a sea wall was being discussed some years ago, however, due to the magnitude of the project enough finances were not available, they further told News784 that the floods of April 2103 led to further erosion in the area making the task even more challenging.
Another resident of the coastal Village disclosed to news784 that some villagers had been removed from the area, but from his recollection of the individuals who live in the area, the government seem to have been selective in the moving of residents.
Ministry officials at the time of this publication could not give the number of persons moved, but said it would have been a significant amount.
One villager who worked on the pavilion at the now abandoned playing field close to the main Windward Highway in Georgetown told News784 that where the sewage for the old pavilion is located, used to be solid ground, that is now a sandy area.
Ministry officials confirmed to News784 that the sea is now about 30 feet or so from the old pavilion, and as such, it gives you an idea as to how much coastal erosion has taken place over the last ten years.
Villagers say they fear for their safety and is asking the government to move swiftly in either relocating all residents or build the sea wall which was promised time and time again.
“ Living here is not easy, says Steven a resident of the coastal village, night and day I pray and hope, that the sea does not do anything crazy, especially at nights when we sleep, it is just scary every time you hear the sound of the waves”.
“ In my estimation, the sea has moved in some 300 feet; there use to be a wharf in this area, right here on the front, yes here in Brownstown. When the sea gets rough in the hurricane season or a storm is battering the island, the water would reach next to the main road, ask anyone around here”.
“People would take their clothes off and swim on the park, sound like a joke eh, it is no joke, go ask the officials who come here every time we have inclement weather, it is not easy”.
Chief Engineer Brent Bailey told News784 that at present a coastal defence design for the area is being done, no time was given for the completion of the design and start of the project.
