Pinewood Gardens Residents Say They’ve Waited Too Long for a Solution to Persistent Flooding

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – For the past few days rain has dumped inches of water across the island, and while there’s widespread flooding, perhaps no one feels it more than Pinewood Gardens residents.

For years the area has been prone to flooding, and after several days of rain, that’s just what we saw when we visited the community Thursday morning.

Inches of settled rainwater through roads like Sapodilla Boulevard left it near impossible for cars to pass through.

A frustrated driver even flagged us down saying this:

Renwick Rolle Jr. – Water Sports Operator

“These past couple days now they ain’t come pumping no water, I tryna figure out what’s going on.”

“They know the rain storm coming they should have these water pumps pumping the water.”

Even as we talked to residents, another squall of rain came down, forcing us to go back to our news bus, and when the rain stopped, we went through Jacaranda Street.

We waded through water that nearly flowed through the tops of our rain boots.

Some homes had sand bags in front of doors and along the driveways.

Others who were unable to stop the water from invading their homes were forced to place furniture and clothing outside to dry.

Two elderly women tells us they’re tired of the issue that’s plagued them for decades.

Resident – Pinewood Gardens

“Sometimes we be in a house for seven days can not go out, when you see rain coming you better try to get your food cause you can’t leave. My car is being almost quarter of water.”

Now, authorities have tried to resolve the issue with a $2.6M drainage project for the community, where government is planning to install four lift stations, with equipment already manufactured according according to the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs.

While these plans may help, another resident, Conan Mackey says the wait has been too lengthy for a long-term solution.

Conan Mackey – Resident, Pinewood Gardens

“Man, when you jump out of bed, water is almost in the middle of your leg so it’s really bad…”