By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Weeks after floodwaters severely damaged his home and personal belongings, a Sparendaam resident says he is still awaiting compensation from the relevant authorities and may soon pursue legal action as frustration mounts.
Rennie Burnett, of 55 West Road, Sparendaam, estimates his losses at more than $500,000, following flooding he says was caused by construction activities linked to a culvert project in his community. Burnett maintains that the damage to his property was preventable and directly resulted from negligence during the execution of the works.
Speaking with Nightly News, Burnett said that despite repeated visits to government offices and assurances from officials, he continues to receive what he describes as the “royal runaround.”
According to Burnett, he was informed that $570,000 had been approved as compensation, but he claims the payment has not been disbursed and explanations continue to change.
“They told me that the monies were approved, then they said deductions had to be made, and now they’re saying the ministry doesn’t really have the funds. All they could give me is $570,000, but they just keep pushing me around,” Burnett said.
Burnett insists that his total losses amount to approximately $770,000, citing damage to household items and the lower flat of his home.
He further revealed that during a visit to the Ministry of Public Works last week, he spoke with Project Engineer Kevin Samad, who reportedly assured him that assistance would be forthcoming. However, Burnett claims no follow-up action was taken.
“Mr. Samad told me to come and uplift the $570,000, and when I went, it was another push-around. Every single day is a pushing around. When I go, they tell me the ministry doesn’t operate like that,” he lamented.
Burnett explained that the flooding began in early September when workers commenced drainage works opposite his home. While a pump was initially installed to prevent water accumulation, he alleges that the pump operator stopped reporting for duty, allowing water levels to rise unchecked.
As a result, floodwaters reportedly inundated his yard and ground-floor living space, damaging furniture, appliances, and other personal belongings.
With weeks having passed and no resolution in sight, Burnett says he is now seriously considering legal action to recover his losses and hold those responsible accountable.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Ministry of Public Works regarding the compensation delay are ongoing.
