Parish constable David Hannah said the douzaine was trying to crack down on the issue as some landowners in the area continue to neglect their water courses – despite receiving multiple letters from the parish officials wanting action to be taken.
‘I just want to make people aware that if they don’t clean the streams, it’s going to cause a problem,’ he said.
‘This stuff has to be cleared because it’s causing flooding.
‘It can’t just be us – I’m sure this is an island-wide issue.
‘However, it’s more important for us in St Sampson’s because this area is the lowlands. We’re surrounded by higher ground, so when it rains, all the water from St Peter Port and probably even St Martin’s comes here.
‘And if it’s got nowhere to go from here – we’re swimming.
‘Any land comes with responsibility, and you’ve got to think of the people downstream. During the winter, some residents get hit with tidal waves at their front door, and it’s not fair.’
Fines will soon be issued to those refusing to clear their streams. The douzaine will charge an initial £50 fine, and a further £5 per day for every day the courses remain unkept.
‘We don’t want to come down heavy-handed, but it’s getting to the point where we can’t continue with our softly-softly approach,’ said Mr Hannah.
‘Other parish douzaines issue fines for this, and we think it’s time to do the same. This year, we’re coming down firmer and will follow the letter of the law.
‘And now is the perfect chance to get clearing, while the weather is dry and sunny. Because in the winter, it’ll be like fighting a battle against the rain.’
On a walk-around of some of the area’s most obstructed streams near the Marais, Mr Hannah and senior constable Joe Abbotts explained how blockages at that point contributed to the parish’s main flood zones further along – at places like the Coutanchez.
‘Keep your streams and douits clear to help your next door neighbour, and to help the island, eventually,’ said Mr Abbotts.
Guernsey Water operations manager Jon Holt reinforced the message. He said that local water reserves were under significant pressure, especially following this hot and dry summer.
‘The 165km stream network is a vital component of how we collect water throughout the year,’ he said.
‘If they become blocked with vegetation, that means water can’t get to our reservoirs and with the island having endured three heatwaves in two months, it’s critical these watercourses are cleared for when it does eventually rain.
‘We constantly monitor water collection, storage and demand which are all under pressure in this dry period, so alongside following our water saving messages from the Every Drop Counts campaign, landowners can play an additional part by keeping their streams and douits clear.
‘The more water we can get into storage, the better. And conversely, the heavy and intense storms we experience in the winter would quickly lead to localised flooding if a stream was blocked.’
Mr Holt thanked the St Sampson’s douzaine for pursuing stream clearance in the parish.
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