Broken koker causes flooding in Wakenaam

Several homes in Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) were under flood waters on Boxing Day after the door for the koker at Maria’s Pleasure gave way, causing the water level to rise approximately 12 inches between 08:30h and 10:00h.
Region Three Regional Executive Officer (REO) Denis Jaikarran confirmed that some 36 homes were affected, although he informed that the situation was resolved about 13:00h on Wednesday.
He said a regional team would soon be assessing various kokers in the region ahead of future spring tides. Jaikarran added that the regional team and representatives from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) distributed cleaning agents to the affected residents.
Reports stated that the Maria’s Pleasure koker was last repaired in April of this year. No damage to livestock and farmlands were recorded. Sea defence workers and Region Three officials were earlier on the ground with machinery carrying out repairs before the next tide arrived.
Wakenaam sits in the mouth of the mighty Essequibo River and is one of Guyana’s largest islands.