BUSINESS BYTE: MMCE statement on flooding in Bellevue Chopin housing development

EDITOR’S NOTE: Montreal Management Consultants (MMCE), the developers of the

EDITOR’S NOTE: Montreal Management Consultants (MMCE), the developers of the Bellevue Chopin Housing Development have responded to concerns about several reports of flooding within the new development following the passing of the tropical wave on Dominica last Sunday.

An article sponsored by MMCE, published last week, as a "BUSINESS BYTE" item on DNO, featured some residents of the Bellevue Chopin Housing Development who testified to the safety of their homes during the passage of the system.

Commenting on the article, one DNO reader stated, "As the developers, Montreal Management Consultants sponsored this "BUSINESS BYTE". It would be helpful if they could have stated the cause of the flooding and what appeared to be water seeping through house walls. The amount of rainfall was nothing unusual for Dominica,"

In response to this and other related observations, MMCE has submitted the following statement.

Following the passing of the tropical wave that came through last Sunday there were several reports of flooding within the new development.

Montreal Engineers were on site at the time of the rains and were able to witness the actual status.

In area A1 there was an area of ponding on one road which was at a designed collection point where water will drain into a large size pipe under the ground and discharge into an area deliberately left free of development for dissipation. There is at this point a large gulley grating placed so as to prevent any debris or rubbish flowing into the pipe as is best practice. Upon investigation the gully grating was blocked with some debris and household refuse sac, this was removed at the time during the rain and the water immediately flowed away. It should be noted that the kerbs at the side of the roads are 6 inches deep and as witnessed in the photograph the water was not flowing over the kerbs.

MMCE are monitoring the disposal of any household waste and any debris that may flow in the road drains to ensure that this is kept clear, there is regular waste collection service in place for disposal of household waste and we urge all residents to facilitate of this service.

In c1 there was at the back of the site adjacent to the upper level of the grand bay road surface water coming across a vegetated area and falling along the back of the nearest house.

We investigated this during the rain and along the `grand Bay `road there is to the north side an existing ditch which collects the rainwater from the road and the area of hillside to the north outside the development area.

We found that a truck which had become stuck whilst travelling to grand bay some time previously but not related to the project had discharged its load of tarrish and completely blocked the ditch. This was causing the water to flow across the road and down the bank some distance away. The removal of the tarrish on the day itself thus allowed the water to flow along the ditch and the flow into the project immediately ceased.

We would note that there was at no time any danger of water entering any houses and indeed it can be witnessed in the photograph that the paving adjacent to the house is above water , for most of its width despite that fact that the slabs are 2 inches deep .

We have had very heavy rain this week and there has been no reoccurrence of any o these incidents.

We have since done a joint inspection of the area with the Ministry of Public Works and an immediate programme of works will be put in place to clean out and rebottom the ditches along the higher levels of Grand bay road to ensure the smooth passage of water along its length as well as cleaning out of all culverts.

One resident complained that there was water coming through his wall upstairs, we investigated and found that a thermal shrinkage crack had occurred which can sometimes happen as new structures dry out , this was immediately dealt with the following day and repaired in accordance with the structural engineers requirement.

It is a fact that MMCE were on site during the tropical wave and were constantly checking as this was the first truly heavy rain since occupation , every one we asked on the day confirmed that there were no problems with their new homes.

In the coming few weeks as the development reaches its final conclusion the final retaining walls will be completed and some decorative landscaping and planting occurring to accelerate the greening of some areas so that the whole development will achieve the garden effect that is now evident in the first area to be handed over.

We have also consulted with the newer residents to ask their preference in some of the open areas as to wether they would like childrens play areas, green space or basketball hoops etc. and will be implementing some of their ideas.

MMCE's office in the development has a constant presence and any concerns about snagging items have always been dealt with rapidly.

The construction method of the new residences is the most secure and resilient that is available and we are more than happy to demonstrate the impermeability of the structure by water testing with pressure hoses.

We would also be more than happy for the Dominica News online to interview any residents to solicit their views.

MMCE press release - EDITOR’S NOTE:

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