By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
A Sparendaam resident is seeking urgent compensation after floodwaters severely damaged his home and personal belongings—losses he estimates at more than half a million dollars. Rennie Burnett, of 55 West Road, Sparendaam, says the flooding was triggered by construction activities related to a culvert project in his community.
Burnett explained that in early September, workers arrived to dig drains opposite his home. A pump was installed to prevent water accumulation, but according to Burnett, the operator stopped showing up, leaving the pump inactive and allowing water to rise steadily into his yard and bottom flat.
“The guy wasn’t coming anymore. There was no pump here, and the water continued to flood my yard and my bottom flat,” he recalled. “That morning when my downstairs flooded, I actually cried. I work very hard for my things.”
FLOODING LASTED FOR WEEKS
The situation worsened until November 7, when an NDC councillor and local vendors reportedly persuaded the Chinese contractor to remove sandbags after it became clear the pump was inadequate.
In a letter sent to the Ministry of Public Works, Burnett—who also works as a taxi driver—said the contractor damaged his fence while removing temporary structures. He added that repeated attempts to get assistance have proven unsuccessful.
“I went into Local Government before the flooding. I went into the NDC before the flooding. After the flooding, I went into Public Works,” Burnett said. “All of my things have damaged up.”
APPLIANCES AND ESSENTIALS DESTROYED
Among the damaged items were furniture, a refrigerator, a gas stove, and other household essentials. Burnett said he provided photographic evidence and was asked to compile an itemized list of affected assets—but has received no word from officials since.
He noted that with Christmas approaching, he was forced to use most of his savings to replace critical appliances, leaving him financially strained. He also spent an entire day at Freedom House hoping to meet with Siwani Mai, but said he faced constant “pushing around” and no resolution.
NEXT STEP: LEGAL ACTION
Burnett now says he is prepared to take legal action if the situation is not addressed promptly.
“It actually threw me off my job,” he lamented, adding that the ongoing delays have made the ordeal even more distressing.
Residents in the area say they hope Burnett’s complaint leads to clearer oversight and accountability in community infrastructure projects to prevent similar occurrences.
