The Bermuda Government has pledged to clean the canal that has contributed to flooding problems in the Mill Creek area, according to local businesses.

Mill Creek Road firms said they had received a letter from the Government last Friday, indicating it will clear the canal, flood-box and sluice gate of debris, and make relevant infrastructure repairs by the end of March.

According to businesses, the Government advised that it will issue a request for quotation to contractors this week, to provide quotes within the next three weeks for:

• removal of trash and debris from floodbox and along canal;

• cutting down vegetation adjoining Mill Creek Road to facilitate assessment of the canal;

• inspection of sluice gate to ensure it is operating properly.

• sealing walls, repairing cracks and building a concrete structure next to the bridge

• construction of wall at junction of Pitts Bay Road bridge and Mill Creek Road for pedestrian and vehicle protection.

Ed Faries, on behalf of the Mill Creek Road businesses, stated: “We are delighted that Government is finally moving forward with the upkeep of the canal and would like to thank the Minister of Public Works for making this a priority.

“We are happy to see that the project started on Tuesday and to seeing its completion before the end of March, as promised.

“We were also pleased to read in The Royal Gazette that Government will set up a small team of enforcement officers to crack down on contractors and land owners who break planning rules.

“Construction throughout Hamilton has contributed significantly to the canal issues that we face today.

“The ministry has also advised us that it will meet with the Department of Planning regarding the permitted planning applications that are granted contrary to planning policy.”

The Government has also advised that additional works may be necessary as the project progresses, for which it will aim to allocate funding.

Mr Faries added: “Moving forward, we hope that appropriate funding will be included in the Ministry’s annual budgets for the ongoing upkeep of the canal.

“It is important to note that maintaining the canal benefits all flood-prone areas of Pembroke, not just Mill Creek. We look forward to seeing this outlined in next month’s budget debate.”