Late fuel supply contributes to Essequibo flooding

Scores of houses in the Lima area in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) as well as rice fields are currently under water as residents blame this as negligence of the Region Two Administration.
However the Lima pump station has since been put into operation.

According to residents of Lima Sideline Dam, the issue of flooding could have been avoided months ago if the administration had acted promptly on reports when they were made. They related that even before the commencement of the rainy season, several residents met with the REO, making recommendations for drainage and irrigation in their area. They also related that Sunday was the latest they made a report about the expected flooding but nothing was done.
“We keep going in to the Administration making requests numerous times, to date nothing doing, every day is the same thing; we are poor people and we have to survive. Who will give us assistance now? We warned them about this,” a resident related.
Many livelihoods have since been affected with kitchen gardens, poultry pens and rice fields submerged with knee-high water.
On Tuesday Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt along with sub- ordinate Regional Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah visited the flooded areas and met with scores of residents who vented their frustrations.
During the interactions Ramdatt promised to make necessary representations at the RDC level in bringing relief to residents.
During the visit at the Lima pump station, he observed that a carpenter continues to operate the pump even though the RDC made numerous recommendations for the timely filling of vacancies for pump operators. Ramdatt said that he has also observed there is delay in the delivery of fuel to the Lima pump station. This he said is contributing to less hours of pumping. Ramdatt however said he has mandated the Regional Vice Chairperson to visit all pumps and sluices and make reports on their conditions and progress.  He said Coonjah was tasked with the responsibilities to ensure that the region’s engineer conduct proper monitoring and evaluation.
When asked if the Lima pump was under repairs Ramdatt said yes, in the month of December. He however contended that due to the late supply of fuel it has resulted in the pump operating less hours hence contributing to flooding and blocked outfalls.
All pumps are said to be in operation along the Coast. (Indrawattie Natram)