Several areas in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) continued to suffer from intense flooding at the weekend, with residents in affected areas such as Coomacka, Linden, and Speightland under water. Numerous homes and yards remain inundated, as floodwaters continued to rise. While the water had receded late on Friday in low-lying areas at Coomacka, those affected feared the worse as the weather pattern was expected to worsen on Saturday. As predicted, flooding continued well into Saturday, with residents complaining over the high level of floodwaters in their surroundings, including their kitchen gardens which many depend on as a meal of livelihood. Residents said the situation was caused by an over topping of the river about a week ago.
A resident making his way to his flooded home in Linden
“Most of the latrines are under water with an unbearable stench. Persons are forced to use this same water to bathe and wash, as there is no other source,” affected resident Nick Hartman told Guyana Times on Saturday.
He said approximately 25 homes in the area are currently being affected and as the water continues to rise, more are expected to be affected. Speaking on behalf of those affected, the resident described the situation as “very uncomfortable”, explaining that residents are “scared to go in the water”. He said there has been
A woman points to her house which has been flooded for days
no official word from those in authority on how to assist residents or to address the issue. Meanwhile, at Linden, residents at Water Lily Road (Poker Street), Wismar, are adversely affected, while at Speightland the situation is no different. With regards to the flooding situation at Wismar, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland noted that it was as a result of high tide and other infrastructural “lack” mainly at the Water Lily road’s main drain. He also urged support for the residents living in the “alleys”, noting that the Regional Democratic Council, Linden Mayor and Town Council, Community Development Council and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority are working to see what can be done to bring ease to the situation.
