Parliamentary Representative of the Petite Savanne Constituency, Dr. Kenneth Darroux has advised Dominicans to consider their safety first whenever they are constructing homes.
He said this in light of Tropical Storm Erika, which devastated sections of the island on August 27, 2015.
Speaking as a guest on state-owned DBS Radio’s ‘Talking Point’ Program last Friday, he also said the Planning Division has its role to play in the matter.
“People have to understand that safety first and I think this is where the Planning Division comes in too,” he said. “I know we are doing some serious work as it pertains to the land use policy and we are now moving into the second phase which is the CDB project of the National Physical Development Plan. The entire country is going to be mapped into the different areas that can be used specifically for certain uses.”
Darroux explained that laws also have to be adhered to and enforced.
“This is where I know that especially we as parliamentarians, we have to start thinking differently and this is where also we need the support of the public…” he stated.
He stated that the topography of Dominica doesn’t allow for 100 percent safe areas to construct homes.
“In fact being involved in the environmental ministry for the past six years, if you look at the list, Dominica, I think, is in the top five in terms of the most vulnerable countries in the world,” he noted. “Because a part from our topography, and I mean we being exposed to these hurricanes on a yearly basis from Mother Africa who seem to be spiting hurricanes on us on an annual basis, and the number of volcanoes that we have here, so it’s going to take vast amounts of monies and resources to really make people as safe as possible.”
Dr Darroux are you not in charge of environment? so why the heck have we not heard anything from you about what’s happening regarding the pollution of the river in LaPlaine. you mentioned about laws, I am sure that there are some laws to safeguard about what is happening with the LaPlaine river. two faced like the rest of your colleagues
Please correct me if I have been misinformed: but I understand that soon after Tropical Storm Eric overseas consultants conducted a geological (?) survey of localities worst affected by the storm and in particular the area of Petite Savanne. Presumably the results of the survey will help to differentiate between land that will remain untenable and other areas that are relatively safe.
However, a year on, I am told that we are still awaiting the results of the survey.
if the survey ever took place.. haha wait still
First consider location :-)
Really? Wouldn’t building code regulations take care of that?
A building code does not address location. This issue is one of building in a safe location.
It is good to see the the minister is finally seeing the light. I have enquired and have been told that a landslide hazard map was prepared for the entire country. Apparently its never been used or the planning folks do not understand how to use. Mr. Darroux we all know if its left up to the people nothing will build properly. This is why standards are developed by the Government through experts in construction (not a man with a backhoe) ie civil engineers, geo technical engineers, geologist, environmental scientists and engineers, disaster response experts etc…. This will require remote sensing studies and on the ground data so that comprehensive engineering and construction regulations can be developed, implemented, and most importantly enforced. When i decided to leave dominica to go study Geology it was due to passion for the science and the recognition that it was much needed home. Suprisignly aid bank was not giving loans for that field. Today i am working in a foreign land
Protecting other people, while my countrymen still trying to figure out how to prevent pollution in a river, how to collect garbage, manage a landfill, and seem to have no land use and zoning regulations. The only reason i am concerned is because i still have family in Dominica and through my experience and observations we have a long way to go. I am not saying this to be negative, but to acknowledge we have to fix these problems. Over the years landslides and rockfall have been the leading cause of death in Dominica and to date its not taken seriously. Flash floodings is a direct result of those incharge to identify risks and take needed steps to mitigate. We are a knee jerk response society. Disaster preparedness cannot only be from june to november but year round. Making sure. Eg cleaning or modifying drains, regular slope stability check for vulnerable areas, dregging river beds. It create employment and sure cheaper than cost of cleaning and rebuilding. Enough said.
Darroux…..why don’t you just SHUT UP?
Pay booshoo man… 
hahaha u will not kill me today dr nah.