CLARKSDALE, Miss.–Big ditches have become a problem in some neighborhoods in Clarksdale and the city is looking for ways to possibly eliminate them.
The problem has existed for at least 45 years, according to one person who complained at Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, saying the ditches are in some places 5 ft. deep and 10 ft. wide, and are meant to control flooding.
“We have insects in there like mosquitoes hatching. We know mosquitoes carry diseases. We also have a lot of trash in there,” said Ava Travis. She added that kids sometimes take a swim in some of the ditches during the summer.
Mayor Chuck Espy said city engineers are already looking at possible solutions.
Ward 1 Commissioner Bo Plunk said he learned about a solution on a recent visit to Tupelo, where the city has gotten a grant to have large concrete pipes constructed that have been put in, basically eliminating the open ditches and still conveying flood water away from neighborhoods.
“That way it would solve the ditch problem, the trash and all that, but carry the water on our,” he said.
The city may be looking at grant funding for such a project.
