00:00of Valsain St. Joseph Seymour Ramsran-Augustin and her team has been on the ground in bamboo
00:06engaged in flood prevention works. We started actually Friday. We have been cleaning all the
00:13main drains in particular where the water from Valsain South flows through bamboo to go to the
00:18pump. So these are the main drains and most of them are earthen. So we're making sure that it
00:24is clear so that the water has a clear flow to go to the pump so that it can pump into the river
00:29so it wouldn't flood the village. And so far what have you done and what is outstanding? So, so far we have started clearing the drains. We did the two drains on Jaffer Street. This one in particular now is the main drain. So when that gate across at Mohan Street closes, this is the only alternative way that the water could pass to go to the pump. So it comes down from Mohan Street into Kimran Drive, through Rafton Street to Kimran Drive and then to the Temple Street to go to the pump.
00:55The pump is turned on when the couch mount is full enough to allow for the water to go into the river.
01:01Residents, she says, have post-traumatic stress from the past flooding experience.
01:08To be honest with you, I am from Bamboo Tree originally. So I'm accustomed to flooding. I know what flooding does to you. So I know they would be scared. But the main thing, you have to make sure that you are prepared.
01:20You make sure you know you live in a preferable area. You make sure you have your, you secure your valuables as best as you can. But be prepared, monitor and always be alert.
01:29The councillor, who has experienced flooding firsthand, offered some advice to her burgesses.
01:37Every time the rain falls, they are anxious. They are scared because, I mean, you can't blame them. You know, sometimes they would call my phone nonstop, but I don't mind because I know the fear.
01:47Then I would reach out to the Ministry of Works. The main important thing is to make sure that the guys there on standby to turn on the pump when needed.
01:53Right. And I mean, I know it's very early in the season, but the cooperation from the Ministry of Works, given that, you know, government has changed and all of that.
02:02So far, it has been excellent, to be honest with you. We, I have not been able to get machinery so many days to clear these drains so fast.
02:11And I'm grateful to them because Saturday, Friday actually, we started and we were able to clear three different drains and we continue to leave.
02:19You're welcome.
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