During a recent government meeting, officials addressed ongoing concerns regarding flooding and the functionality of drainage pumps in the city. Councilman Doucette highlighted the confusion among residents about the operation of the pumps, emphasizing that the pumps are designed to move water out of the city but are not responsible for managing inner-city drainage. He urged the need for engineers to assess areas most prone to flooding and develop a strategic plan to improve the drainage system.

Doucette pointed out that while the city has made significant investments in upgrading pump stations, including the addition of six new pumps at the Alligator station, the core issue remains the need to enhance the infrastructure that directs water to these pumps. He noted that many residents mistakenly believe that the pumps are not operational when, in fact, the water simply isn't reaching them due to inadequate drainage pathways.

The discussion also revealed a common misconception among citizens regarding the type of pumps in use. Many residents have expressed frustration over the perceived lack of action during flooding events, often demanding that pumps be turned on. However, officials clarified that the pumps cannot operate effectively without sufficient water flow to them, and that many of the pumps are electric, which may not produce the audible noise that residents expect.

Councilman Lewis shared a recent incident where flooding was reported on Queen Boulevard. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a collapsed water transport system was the root cause of the flooding, further illustrating the importance of maintaining and upgrading the city's drainage infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from officials to continue addressing these drainage issues and to keep the public informed about ongoing improvements to the city's flood management systems.