The present Store Room, now in a considerably advanced stage of construction, is to be the last Anguilla Government-owned building to be constructed in The Valley Bottom area.
That area, comprising some of the best agricultural land in Anguilla, is usually prone to flooding. During Hurricane Lenny, in November 1999, The Valley was flooded by an estimated 15 feet of water which took many days to be absorbed by the aquifer and the well field there.
The buildings at the Departments of Infrastructure (formerly Public Works) and Agriculture, as well as the Tourist Board building (a former Agricultural Officer’s residence), were all grossly affected by Hurricane Lenny’s flood waters – not to mention many private houses mainly to the west. The rain from Hurricane Irma, in September 2017, was not as heavy and therefore did not pose any serious threat to the building infrastructure in The Valley area. However, the area is a constant concern during stormy weather.
The building of the Store Room, on the grounds of the Department of Infrastructure, and on the ridge of The Valley Bottom agricultural land, is being financed by funds obtained under the UK Government’s 60 million pounds grant to the Government of Anguilla. The location of the building has not been without criticism – given its flood-prone site – however urgent its need might have been.
The Executive Council has now taken a decision which rules out the construction of any more buildings in The Valley Bottom area, and has outlined steps to protect the current building – under construction – and its contents in the basement from flood water.
The following directive was agreed on by the Executive Council at its meeting on February 28, 2019, according to the Minutes:
EX MIN 19/119 EX MEM 19/56 APPEAL AGAINST PLANNING REFUSAL APPLICATION REF#: 18/0240 (DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE)
Council agreed that the appeal against planning permission from the Department of Infrastructure to develop a Storage Building at The Valley on part of Parcel 2 of Block 58814 B should be allowed, based on the following mitigation measures being put in place by the MICUHAFE:
(i) floor level will be raised to over two (2) meters above ground level;
(ii) only materials that are not susceptible to water damage will be stored at basement level when there is a threat of flooding; and
(iii) fuel storage tank will be raised well in excess of two (2) meters above ground level.
Council:
(i) was disappointed that the Departments of Infrastructure and Physical Planning could not find an appropriate way to resolve this matter;
(ii) wished to remind all government departments and agencies that planning permission is a requirement prior to the construction of all government facilities; and
(iii) agreed that the government formally disallows any new developments of government office infrastructure, storage or any developments of non-agricultural nature in the Valley Bottom.
Action: PS, HLPP; DLS; PS, MICUHAFE; PPO; PEHO; DHP; MINS OF GOV’T
