An area near Pembroke Canal regularly becomes flooded in several feet of water, according to local businesses.

Toby Kempe of Bermuda Forwarders spoke out yesterday after Mills Creek and surrounding roads once again fell victim following heavy rain.

Mr. Kempe said the canal's sluice gate needs to be replaced to allow the water to flow properly, while the road should be raised so water can better drain away. Asked if he had seen the latest flooding incident, photographed by The Royal Gazette, Mr. Kempe replied: "I didn't go and look because I would have had to get a boat."

He said flooding problems had progressively worsened in recent years, and were damaging businesses in the area.

"If people come and see the water, they go somewhere else," he said.

According to Mr. Kempe, a report in 2004 said work preventing flooding should begin in 2006, but it is behind schedule.

The Mid Ocean News reported last month that the canal had become so clogged it had become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.