Sections of Region Eight’s (Potaro-Siparuni’s) Mahdia Access Road which were damaged during a recent episode of flooding have been temporarily fixed, allowing for the movement of vehicular traffic in both directions.
Mahdia was inundated on Friday after an episode of intense rainfall
Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson told Guyana Times on Monday that he had visited the area on Saturday and contractors were mobilised to provide a temporary fix. He said they are seeking to construct a bridge at Red and White to replace the one that was washed away by floodwaters. This measure is expected to serve as a long-term solution.
Presently, both motor vehicles and trucks are traversing the area, which is also accessible by air.
“We did emergency works on Saturday. I think it is open back for vehicular traffic, and there will be some works to put in a bridge at the open section as soon as possible. It’s open for traffic now, both vehicle and trucks; but for the long term, we need to put a bridge, and we’re doing that now,” the minister stated.
Reports have suggested that the Natural Resources Ministry would also be undertaking the task of desalinating the creek’s water to provide for easy drainage during heavy rainfall. Desalination is a process that takes away mineral components from saline water.
The recently formed Mahdia township came under water on Friday following heavy rainfall. While the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) was planning to set up shelters for some persons, everyone was allowed to return to their homes.
An assessment of the extent of the flooding indicated that some 25 homes were flooded, prompting the Civil Defence Commission to deploy officials to the area. Supplies were provided to the affected families while, on Saturday, the water receded slowly.
Other regions were warned that rainfall was expected until Monday, and residents were urged to take precautions.
While the area is prone to flooding during the rainy season, Friday’s flooding is the largest to have been experienced there in years.
On Sunday morning, the body of an unidentified man was discovered several miles from Mahdia. Based on reports received, passersby saw the body floating in a river and immediately alerted the police.
The body, according to information gathered, did not have any marks of violence, and it is believed that the man had drowned. The body was taken to the Mahdia Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted.
On Monday, ‘F’ Division (Interior Locations) Commander Kevin Adonis told this publication that the body is yet to be identified.
