Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Tuesday visited New Hope, Craig, Grove and Little Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), Riversview in Ruimveldt, Georgetown and Wales on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) where he ordered for emergency works to commence on river breaches.
He said that this approach has been taken as a preventative measure against the current spring tides.
Works ongoing to mend breaches at Riversview Koker (Photo credit Ministry of Public Works)
“I ordered emergency works which is ongoing currently, we are in the midst of our spring tides. It is expected to last until Thursday,” he explained.
The Minister added that due to the spring tides, many areas were faced with flooding and overtopping and as such, all measures will be taken to rectify same.
“We have hundreds of sandbags which are being filled to prevent flooding to homes as well as to roadways,” he added.
Meanwhile, Edghill explained that even as works are ongoing, the team is being faced with many challenges with respect to the location of houses on dams, thus preventing the machinery from getting access to some areas.
“We know once the place is flooded no amount of hampers can compensate for damages, we are monitoring across the country,” he posited.
Nevertheless, Edghill said that the team will continue works and explore all options to ensure works are completed.
On Monday, it was reported that almost 130 residents from Little Diamond, EBD, were affected after water from the Demerara River flooded their homes on Sunday and Monday morning.
Owing to the spring tide, and a breach that existed where the koker is currently being constructed, many homes were affected.
Residents complained of being unable to save much. Following the flooding, the Civil Defence Commission visited the area where hampers were distributed to those affected.
