Alligatortown Chronicles
By R. P. Birt

The violent storm, which washed out the toll-bridge, caused the flooding of Alligator Village, the low-land north of Alligatortown, leaving some of its inhabitants homeless. The flood waters also flowed into the adjacent Alligator Swamp, a breeding ground for wildlife including; alligators, as well as man, woman and child eating insects.

When the flood waters receded, the size of the Swamp was greatly increased. Experts predicted that it would take years for it to return to its original size. The Public Health Centre, concerned that the increase in the size of the swamp was a major health risk, recommended that the swamp be drained and filled as part of the Disaster Recovery Project.

The recommendation has been accepted by the Hippotropolis Government Ministry and plans for the “reclamation” have started. The Ministry has contracted a consulting firm to prepare a preliminary study for alternative land usage and conduct consultations.

A privately funded citizen’s action group, GatorAid, has begun a campaign to block the reclamation claiming that the swamp should be an environmentally-protected area. GatorAid is also is supported by the residents of Alligator Village who were not affected by the flood.

In response, another group, Swamp-Free has been formed to promote the reclamation project. It is supported by former residents of Alligator Village who feel that they should be able to return to rebuild their homes and by residents of Alligator Town, who endorse the Public Health Centre’s view that the Swamp is a danger to the town.

The Disaster Recovery Project is getting pressure from both groups, as well as the Hippotropolis Government to take action and resolve the situation.