Timeline for canal work
February 2009: Woodlands Road is blocked off to motorists after it floods during a heavy storm. The side of Pembroke Canal is to be shored up to make it safer.
April 2009: Following a delay while the Ministry of Works and Engineering awaits the arrival of water barriers to drain the canal, work begins. Permanent Secretary Robert Horton says the project is expected to last one month.
Early July 2009: Minister Derrick Burgess reveals work is still going on because of "unforeseen ground conditions" — namely a layer of peat moss discovered under the mud line, which needs to be stabilised.
Mid-July 2009: Nearby businesses complain workmen have been trying to pump water out the canal day after day — only for it to fill back up again immediately.
October 2009: With work now completed and the road reopened, Mr. Burgess explains the project could not possibly control flooding in the area and that Government must now meet with businesses in Mill Creek to come up with a solution. He says the canal has now been made safer though.
November 2009: Mr. Horton reveals project has cost $1.1 million. Further work will see $30,000 in repairs to a malfunctioning sluice gate that will eventually be upgraded. The anticipated cost of that work is $500,000.
