Dumping garbage in drains is both callous, criminal – AG

…as heavy rainfall, littering contribute to flooding

…citizens must join Govt to keep communities flood-free – Local Govt Minister

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has directed his focus toward community members, strongly urging citizens to recognise their roles in keeping their communities clean and preventing littering. This comes on the heels of flooding experienced on costal areas as a result of heavy rainfall, littering and other contributing factors. The AG was among several Cabinet members who were accompanied by Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) councillors and community leaders and visited several flood-affected areas on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), Georgetown, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and West Coast Demerara (WCD) among other communities.
During these visits, the team was able to identify a number of factors that contributed and that will continue to contribute to the flooding unless they are addressed. These include: permanent blockages of drains by residents, the insufficient expansion of drains to accommodate water volume, the wanton dumping of garbage into drains and canals and in many cases, the blockage of drainage culverts. Work has already begun to address many of these issues.
The main issue underlined by the AG was the act of citizens dumping garbage into drains. Using this as the basis of his argument, he reminded residents that the responsibility is not solely on Central Government officials; the first responsibility lies with the people themselves. “While the NDCs, RDCs and Central Government are obliged to accept responsibility for these problems, citizens must do likewise and understand that they must play a greater part. After all, they are the ones most affected,” he said. Not only did he regard the act of littering as irresponsible, but he also emphasised that it is unlawful. “The dumping of garbage in drains and drainage canals by citizens is both callous and criminal. The blatant refusal to clean the small drains in front of their homes is reckless and irresponsible. These are two of the main causes of flooding. For the avoidance of doubt, the rates and taxes that are paid are wholly insufficient to finance all the services required.”

He stated that if the Government were to move toward ensuring greater funding for littering cleanups, funded directly from taxpayers’ money, it would likely upset many people. He added this context to emphasise his point. “…the situation is far from perfect, but it would improve appreciably if citizens played a greater and more active role in cleaning their immediate surroundings.” Traversing flooded streets in rubber boots and raincoat, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand, visited several communities across the East Bank and Georgetown that were heavily affected by the persistent overnight rainfall. The views shared by the AG were also similar to those of Local Government and Regional Development, Minister Priya Manickchand. During her visits to flood-hit communities on Saturday, the Minister recorded a series of garbage blocking several passageways, especially at koker sites.

“Different places… same problem”
In fact, the Minister used her Facebook page to voice her disappointment at what she observed. “Different places… same problem. This simply CANNOT continue. Let’s have that serious conversation with action and consequences.” the Minister stated. Manickchand engaged with residents as they spoke about challenges they faced as a result of the flooding. She assured residents that their issues would be addressed through follow-up community meetings, to be held once rainfall subsides and conditions allow for detailed planning and intervention. While speaking at the site visits, the Minister called on motorists to take precautions when traversing flooded streets, particularly Norton Street, Georgetown where water was splashing into residents’ homes. The Minister’s walkthrough included communities in Bagotstown, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), as well as areas across Georgetown, including North and South Ruimveldt, Albouystown, Kingston, and sections of Norton Street and Bent Street. At each location, she examined the extent of flooding, assessed drainage systems, and consulted local officials and residents.
Manickchand also commented on the impact of the relentless overnight rainfall saying that, “it’s been heavy, relentless rainfall all night, and citizens know that. Many areas are under water, and we are checking to ensure that across the country, the NDCs, RDCs, chairmen, overseers and REOs have been deployed so that everything that needs to work is working.” Amidst this, she expressed satisfaction with current response efforts, while noting the limitations posed by the country’s low-lying geography.
Manickchand emphasised the Government’s commitment to responsive governance and proactive intervention, stating that efforts will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in affected areas. Residents highlighted issues such as blocked drainage caused by construction and garbage accumulation, which the Minister confirmed must be addressed. Meanwhile, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, who was also present during the assessment, spoke about previous works undertaken to prevent flooding and expressed satisfaction with their effectiveness. “While we’re assessing what needs to be done in terms of accelerating pumping and ensuring sluices are functioning to remove water, Georgetown can only hold a certain amount of rainfall per day. I am happy that these interventions have held up. People could get in and out… the drainage is much improved.”