Environmental Concerns Prompt Urgent Action on Caroni River as Flooding and Pollution Escalate

Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have announced the urgent prioritization of works along the Caroni River in response to mounting environmental concerns, including persistent flooding and escalating pollution levels. The decision comes after a series of intense rainfall events from June 9 to June 12, 2025, triggered widespread flooding and caused significant infrastructure damage across Trinidad, with the Caroni River Basin identified as a critical area at risk.

A Riverine Flood Alert remains active for the Caroni River Basin, with residents strongly advised to avoid unnecessary risks as water levels remain dangerously high. The Caroni River, which stretches approximately 40 kilometers and empties into the Gulf of Paria, is vital for the region’s biodiversity, water supply, and local communities. It supports the Caroni-Arena Dam, the country’s largest source of drinking water, and is home to the protected Caroni Swamp, a haven for diverse flora and fauna.

However, the river faces severe threats from man-made pollution, including industrial effluents, untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and trash from urban areas. These pollutants have led to deteriorating water quality, low dissolved oxygen levels, and frequent algal blooms, endangering both wildlife and human health. The proximity of the Beetham Landfill and ongoing deforestation have further exacerbated sedimentation and flooding risks, putting additional strain on water treatment infrastructure.

Current legal protections, such as the Environmental Management Act and the Water and Sewerage Act, aim to regulate pollution and safeguard water resources. Yet, enforcement challenges and insufficient penalties have limited their effectiveness. Environmental advocates are calling for stronger regulations, enhanced community participation, and the recognition of river rights to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Caroni River ecosystem.

In the wake of recent floods and ongoing pollution, local authorities have accelerated intervention measures, focusing on flood mitigation, pollution control, and public education. These efforts are deemed critical to protecting the Caroni River’s ecological integrity and securing the well-being of communities that depend on its resources.