Bridges, roads washed away as heavy downpours persist in Region 9
– RDC activates transport system for affected villagers
Several villages in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) remain underwater following the prolonged downpours over the past few days. Some of the most affected villages are Potarinau, South Central Rupununi, Aishalton, Parishara and Nappi Village.
Some of the villagers were transported by boat after the Pirara bridged washed out
In addition to these villages, several bridges and roads were not accessible to vehicular traffic. One such bridge is in the Iwokrama Reserve, approximately 15 minutes away from the Kurupukari Crossing.
In addition, the Pirara to Lethem Road was completely underway thus leaving scores of passengers stranded on both sides. In light of these occurrences, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has dispatched a team to the affected areas where it will conduct a thorough assessment. In addition, it has handed over cleaning supplies to the Regional Authorities to be distributed to the residents.
On the other hand, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has called an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss and address the challenges faced in the Region by rising levels of water. During the meeting systems were activated to ensure the safety of all residents at this time.
However, the residents are advised to take all necessary precautions against waterborne diseases and floods and to be vigilant.
“Residents are encouraged to Listen to the local radio station and follow updates on the Office of the Regional Executive Officer, Facebook page, and the Regional Democratic Council Region #9 page for accurate information,” the RDC stated.
Up to Thursday, the RDC staff have assumed a vital role by providing free boat transportation to ensure the continued safe passage of Lethem residents following the submergence of the Pirara Bridge.
However, the Public Works Minister late Thursday evening related that it had completed a series of site visits to assess and address infrastructural concerns within the region.
A team led by the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar focused primarily on bridges and areas showing signs of erosion.
“During the visits, three bridges were identified with significant erosion issues. Contractors have been instructed to address these problems immediately to prevent further degradation and ensure safety. The inspection covered all bridges from Annai, beginning with bridge number 19, to the washout bridge, number 3,” the ministry stated.
In addition to erosion repairs, some bridges require the widening of their channels to facilitate better water discharge. This measure is crucial to enhancing the resilience of the infrastructure against potential flooding.
“All relevant contractors have been informed of the necessary work to be undertaken. Notably, the washout bridge repair is underway, with MMC beginning the stockpiling of materials required for the fix.
To effectively manage the significant water flow, MMC needs to accumulate 80% of the materials before commencing the blockage of the washout.”
Further, the Minister also visited the washout area and spoke with stranded passengers, indicating that vehicles should be able to traverse the area by noon on Friday.
This assurance comes as part of the Ministry’s commitment to promptly restore connectivity and minimize inconvenience to the public. “The Ministry of Public Works remains committed to maintaining and improving the infrastructure in Region 9, ensuring the safety and connectivity of the community,” a release stated.
Meanwhile, some eight households in Region 4 (Demerara – Mahaica) particularly the villages Mocha Arcadia and Little Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and Adventure Village on the Linden – Soesdyke Highway were battling high waters.
A few families have been relocated to alternative housing sites while others were provided with cleaning hampers, mosquito nets, and buckets, as they await a recession of the flood waters.
Residents are urged to be cautious during this period and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 at any time.
