The businesses and residents of flood-hit Mill Creek Road have expressed their dissatisfaction at being ignored in Friday’s Throne Speech.

But, after meeting with a government representative, the group hopes to embark on a new course of action by the end of the month.

Last week, Ed Faries of Tops Ltd spoke to The Royal Gazette on behalf of the 20-person protest group about the issue, which has been rumbling on for 13 years.

He claimed that flooding in the Mill Creek area had worsened to the point that it was endangering lives, and urged the Bermuda Government to finally fix the issue.

“Lets say an accident happened right now and the road was flooded. An ambulance can’t make it, so what next — a boat?” said Mr Faries, adding that severe flooding cost companies as much as $40,000 in business each day,

However, a Public Works spokeswoman said that the flooding caused by the canal was a “long-term challenge”.

“Whatever work is done needs to be carefully considered to avoid a serious knock-on effect to other areas or neighbouring properties,” she added.

The matter was not addressed by Governor George Fergusson at the opening of Parliament on Friday morning.

“We are disappointed that provisions were not made in the Throne Speech for the canal infrastructure upgrades,” said Mr Faries, speaking on behalf of Mill Creek Road businesses and residents.

“However, we are pleased that Government has agreed to present us with a plan by November 30. We hope that funds are allocated to the canal in the next budget.”