Work spent stabilising Pembroke Canal has cost taxpayers more than $1 million, Government has revealed.

In response to questions from The Royal Gazette, Works and Engineering Permanent Secretary Robert Horton said $1.1 million has already been spent on improvements to the area.

He added that further necessary work could see that figure increase by nearly $600,000.

"The Ministry of Works and Engineering commenced a canal and road improvement scheme for Pembroke Canal at Woodlands Road," he stated. "The works were successfully carried out over the summer months at a final contracted value of $1.1 million.

"Both faces of the canal over a combined length of 500 feet were stabilised, providing adequate support for the adjacent Woodlands Road and BAA field. Most importantly, the area has been made safe for both pedestrians and motorists.

"The Ministry of Works and Engineering is also preparing detailed design drawings for the upgrade of the sluice gate at the Mill Creek outfall of the Pembroke Canal. This upgrade, when it eventually occurs, will more than double the volume of water that can be discharged during low tide and will improve the overall performance of the canal.

"The upgraded sluice gate work is estimated at $500,000. In the immediate future, however, the existing malfunctioning sluice gate will be replaced, thereby improving drainage from the canal at low tide.

"This additional work will not exceed $30,000."

Mr. Horton added that technical advisors met with business owners in Mill Creek Road last week, to "discuss temporary remedial works and the longer term alleviation of flooding on in this area".

"The low lying area of Mill Creek has always been vulnerable to flooding in unusually high tides, storm surges and high rainfall," he stated. "However, a number of other factors may have contributed to the recent flooding, including collapse of an area of the Pembroke Canal and debris accumulation in the canal."

He continued: "In an effort to minimise flooding of the canal and surrounding low-lying areas, the Ministry reiterates that all property owners bounding the Pembroke Canal inspect their properties for loose debris and horticultural waste to prevent this material entering and blocking the canal."

Work shoring up the road edge next to BAA Field along Woodlands Road began in April. It was expected to last about a month but attracted complaints from residents as it continued throughout the summer.

Neighbours said the cost must have been rocketing because of the amount of time spent on site – with workmen initially said to be pumping water out day after day, only for it to fill back up again as quickly as it was emptied.

Works Minister Derrick Burgess has explained it took longer than anticipated because engineers had to stabilise a layer of peat moss discovered below the mud line.

In a press conference last month, Mr. Burgess said the work had made the area safer, but had never been intended to stop flooding.

"I am pleased that the Pembroke Canal near BAA Field has been made safer, especially since there are school facilities near this area," he said.