HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Like many cities to the east in South Florida, Hallandale Beach was slammed with rain Saturday. Some areas were flooded with several inches of rain.
But the newly-installed flood pumps weren't turned on because they weren't ready. That didn't sit well with soaked and frustrated residents.
Several residents aired their concerns Wednesday at City Hall.
"The frustration is because the pumps have been installed and it's been over two years," said resident Murvin Wright. "Now for them to not be working as of yet, that is rather frustrating."
Public Works Director Steven Parkinson said the new pump system is complicated. Software that controls the operations had to be programmed and the whole system eventually needs to be inspected by the state in order to operate.
"The project isn't complete at this point. They've been spending the last month working on the programming," Parkinson said.
The city is tentatively scheduled to start up one of its newest pumps as early as Friday. Residents said they hope it works.
"It's been a long time and we sympathize with them. We're trying to get this done as quickly as we can. And have been," Parkinson said.
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