30,000 workers start cleaning T&T clogged drains on Tuesday

The government of Trinidad and Tobago is starting a two-month, $100 million project to clean the country's clogged drains in preparation for worst of the rainy season, which just started.

Starting Tuesday it will deploy about 30,000 CEPEP workers and employees of the country's regional and borough corporations.

Officials say since the rains have already started it is critical to get the drains cleaned as soon as possible.

Arlene McComie, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, told reporters Friday most of this country's drains are clogged either with natural debris or because of the behaviour of "irresponsible people".

McComie said the exercise is a proactive move to minimise possible damage from flooding during the rainy season. "I know there has been some talk that there seems to be a panic but it is not an issue of panicking, it is an issue of attempting to be proactive."