CHAPA Clears the AIR on Bathlodge Backfill

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Wednesday, 20 June 2012 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua St. John’s – The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA) has sought to clear the air about the issue of backfilling a pond in Bath Lodge Development which has been the topic of a debate waged in the local media recently.

To this end, CHAPA has released the following statement:

“Senior officials from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA) and the Development Control Authority (DCA) met on Tuesday, June 19, at a development in Bath Lodge. The area in question includes a manmade pond, which CHAPA backfilled to facilitate the development of the area.

“The decision to backfill the pond has been the recent subject of media reports, some of which erroneously suggested that the backfilling of the pond was a mistake that would have ecological ramifications.

“The facts are the water catchment was not a natural waterway. To the contrary, it was created 15 years ago by a farmer. It was incorrectly placed on the sloping hillside rather than in a gully. The improper placement resulted in serious erosion following heavy rains, over the years.

“CHAPA, to whom the land belongs, recently began the process of preparing the land for distribution. That process included clearing overgrown vegetation, relocating coconut trees and backfilling the pond in question.

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“Officials at CHAPA consulted with senior agriculture officials, who advised that backfilling the pond was the proper action owing to the damage the overflow has wreaked on the adjacent village over the years.

“Further, it was agreed that the development, inclusive of the construction of roads and proper drainage, will correct the faulty water flow and attendant issues caused by the presence of the improperly placed manmade pond.

“Contrary to speculation, the divisions within the Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands and the Environment were not at odds and there was no autocracy on the part of any department.

“The officials who met on Tuesday agreed that while there could have been better internal communication, CHAPA did not err.

“Approval from the Environment Division was not a prerequisite, as the backfilled area was not a natural water course. Additionally, the development is not at the stage where DCA sanction is required.

“All the parties committed to better reporting and research going forward.”
 
See related stories:

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Keep Backfilling Issue on Front Burner

No Consultation on Bath Lodge Backfilling

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