Bennettsville city leaders combat frequent flooding, seek permanent solutions - WPDE

BENNETTSVILLE, S.C. (WPDE) — Bennettsville city leaders worked Monday and Tuesday to clear and dredge clogged ditches in communities frequently affected by flooding.

During Tropical Storm Debby, several residents in the Shady Rest and Richardson Park communities were affected by heavy rains, forcing their neighbors to flee their homes.

Community members in the area said they have struggled with flooding problems for decades and sought help from authorities.

Many communities border Crooked Creek, and several surrounding bodies of water flooded during Tropical Storm Debby. This caused water to flow into residential areas and streets.

READ MORE: Bennettsville community praises flood relief efforts

Residents say the overflow of water also created a bad smell, prompting the city authorities to use lime to solve the problem.

Tropical Storm Debby marked the third time many residents have had to evacuate their homes due to flooding in the past two months.

They had to be evacuated twice because of dam failures on nearby Paul Wallace Lake .

ABC15 reached out to Bennettsville Mayor Leith Fowler and she said she is aware of the issues and is doing everything she can to find a permanent solution.

They had equipment to clean some ditches and try to get the water flowing again. "This is something that's been going on for most of my life and we just have to find a solution to this problem," Fowler said.

According to the city administration, emergency services used a sweeper to clean the streets and collect garbage and debris.

Fowler said the city tried to apply for grants but was unsuccessful.

RELATED: Paul Wallace Lake Dam bursts for the second time this year

Now the city of Bennettsville relies on state and federal funding to repair the dam and clean up the creek.

We have tried to get grants but have had no success, but we have to rely on the state and federal government to try and get funding to fix this problem and clean up the creek. said Fowler.

For a community member, cleaning ditches and waiting is not enough to feel safe in their home.

He told ABC15 that although the storm has passed, our area is entering the peak of hurricane season, so he plans to stay out of town with his loved ones.

Yes, I have already made arrangements to stay in the north with my son. I'm counting on this damn gap and the heavy rain and everything. "It's too risky," he said.

Mayor Fowler said that while the city is waiting for funding, he wants the community to know that all city leaders are working toward a solution.

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