Improved drainage brings relief to waterlogged Georgetown

– waste management remains a concern

After back-to-back overcast showers that left sections of the Georgetown waterlogged, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has reported that floodwaters have receded, providing improved passage for commuters. Speaking during a live broadcast on Monday, the Minister underlined that this progress is largely due to the efforts of engineers on the ground. “The water receded very quickly and most of those areas are now dry. Our pumps are working, the sluices are working, and our engineers are on the ground ensuring that they monitor the situation. So far in Georgetown, most areas are now flood-free and we are hoping that the system we have put in place will continue to work,” he said.

The Minister added that maintaining these systems remains a key priority. He noted that the receding floodwaters can be credited to the work of engineers operating around the clock to ensure that all equipment is functioning efficiently. “We have 17 pumps and 13 sluices, all of which are operable. We have engineers manning these systems 24 hours a day because sometimes the City Council fails to activate the pumps or open the sluices on time. So, we have three dedicated engineers ensuring that these systems are in place,” the Minister stated. Despite the progress, he highlighted that a major underlying issue remains. Poor garbage collection and the dumping of waste in drains, gutters and internal waterways continue to significantly impede drainage. Mustapha stressed that this falls under the responsibility of City Hall and remains a key challenge in effectively managing flooding in the city. He also called on residents to play their part in maintaining their communities. “I want residents to take all precautions because although we are putting measures in place, residents must cooperate to ensure these systems work so that we can minimise flooding. There are areas in Georgetown that are very flood-prone, which is why we have increased the pumping capacity in the city. We must stop dumping garbage in the gutters, alleyways and drainage systems. The primary canals—those that drain water to the Atlantic—are clear, but internal blockages are causing issues,” he said. Providing an update on weather conditions, Mustapha noted that rainfall is expected to continue over the coming days, though with less intensity. He also urged local authorities to support ongoing efforts. “I am advising the NDCs (Neighbourhood Democratic Councils), RDCs (Regional Democratic Councils) and municipalities to ensure that internal drains are cleared. If the primary canals are functioning but there is no flow from the internal drains, flooding will still occur,” he added. Addressing the performance of City Hall, the Minister pointed to continued shortcomings in drainage management and pump operation. “The sluice was closed at midday yesterday, and by 14:00 H, the pump was still not activated. We had to intervene to ensure it was turned on. There is no proper monitoring by City Hall, and in some cases, sluice gates are not raised above the water level, which impedes the free flow of water. These challenges persist because of poor supervision and management,” he said. The Hydrometeorological Service says that periods of rainfall, with the potential to cause flooding are expected to persist across Guyana from Sunday through Tuesday based on atmospheric conditions and model guidance. In a Special Information Bulletin issued over the weekend, the Service emphasises that ongoing rainfall will significantly elevate the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas. According to the Hydromet office, while the current forecast indicates that wet conditions are expected to persist until at least Tuesday. On Sunday however, there was a gradual shift in rainfall activity, which decreased across the country. But wet conditions are expected on Monday and Tuesday, with the highest accumulations expected over inland and southern regions. Weather projections indicate mostly cloudy skies with intermittent showers on Sunday, with rainfall between 10 and 30 millimetres (mm). On Monday, inland and southern regions are expected to see heavier rainfall, ranging from 30 to 60 mm, while other areas may receive between 10 and 25 mm. Showers are forecast from early morning through the afternoon. Conditions are expected to ease slightly by Tuesday and Wednesday, with cloudy skies and scattered showers producing between 10 and 20 millimetres (mm) of rainfall. The Hydrometeorological Service further forecasted that hilly regions could face an increased risk of mudslides, while thunderstorms may bring strong winds and lightning, adding to already hazardous conditions. In light of these forecasts of rainfall with the potential for significant flooding until Tuesday, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is urging members of the public to take the necessary precautions during periods of rainfall and flooding. These include: avoiding flood-prone areas whenever possible; exercising extreme caution when driving or walking during rainfall, especially in areas affected by pooling water; keeping drains, trenches and waterways clear to reduce the risk of flooding; and securing important documents, household items and other valuables in the event of floods.