Minister says her ministry is tackling blocked drains and silted waterways contributing to flooding
Works Minister Maria Bird-Browne says government crews are intensifying efforts to clear blocked drains, remove silt, and reduce flooding in vulnerable communities, describing the clean-up operations as a critical part of her ministry’s environmental-management responsibilities.
Speaking during the Budget Debate, Bird-Browne highlighted the role of the National Housing and Urban Renewal teams in maintaining public spaces, removing waste, and cleaning drains across the island.
She said these crews “pick up the regular garbage.
They do bulk waste collection, and they would just clean drains even,” noting that their work is directly tied to reducing flooding and improving the environment.
She added that the clean-up and drainage work is part of a wider programme aimed at addressing long-standing infrastructural weaknesses that worsen during heavy rainfall.
The minister said beautification crews, waste-removal teams, and road-maintenance units have been deployed across multiple communities to manage silt buildup and keep water channels clear.
Bird-Browne also linked the drainage work to the government’s broader environmental goals.
She pointed to the ministry’s nursery and landscaping programme, which provides plants to public buildings and new homeowners, saying the initiative “enhances our environment, making it more friendly and more climate friendly… because we want to encourage the planting of trees and… the beautification of our surroundings.”
The minister said drain clearing, waste removal and creek maintenance will continue throughout 2026 as part of a larger push for climate-resilient infrastructure.
She emphasized that proper environmental management must go “hand-in-hand” with roadworks, building repairs, and efforts to strengthen public infrastructure ahead of increasingly intense weather events.
The Works Ministry has faced criticism over drainage problems in several communities, but Bird-Browne insisted the crews are active and delivering results. She thanked staff for what she described as difficult, often overlooked work that is essential to reducing flooding and safeguarding communities.
The Budget Debate continues this week as ministers respond to opposition criticisms and outline their plans for 2026.
