The project includes the development of a flood management plan, as well as de-silting and minor infrastructural repairs at the La Clery ravine.

The Ministry of Social Transformation and RISE Saint Lucia Inc. have collaborated with community leaders and youth from the community of La Clery, on a flood mitigation project.

The project is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs Small Scale Fund through the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Commission.

The Social Transformation Officer and volunteers from RISE Saint Lucia Inc. worked with community leaders and residents to develop the project proposal, in response to a call for proposals circulated late last year.

The resulting flood mitigation project entitled, “Creating a Safer Community – Mitigating Flood Risk in La Clery” focuses on reducing the risks and adverse impacts of flooding in the La Clery area, which has worsened since Hurricane Tomas and the Christmas Eve Trough of 2013.

Approximately EC$100,000 has been contributed by the Government of New Zealand, and the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), for project activities which will include de-silting and minor infrastructural repairs at the La Clery Ravine; the development of a flood management plan; and community training and sensitization.

The project is expected to result in a number of direct benefits for the community of La Clery, including the provision of short-term employment for skilled and semi-skilled persons, a reduction in pollution and debris in the ravine, and the creation of a cleaner and healthier environment.

RISE Saint Lucia Inc. is the implementing agency for the project, however, a number of partner agencies including the Ministry of Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), and the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA) have pledged their support to the project.