Major flooding averted after koker breach at Tarla Dam

Quick intervention by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and technicians from the Guyana Sugar Corporation prevented major flooding following a breach of the koker at Tarla Dam, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
Guyana Times understands that the stop-lock device and koker door was damaged during the severe weather conditions.

When contacted on Friday morning, Chairman of the Tuschen/Uitvlugt Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Vishal Ambedkar posited that emergency repairs were being facilitated and should be fixed before the water rose later in the evening.
“What has happened, from then to about 10:00 last night [Thursday night], a false door was installed to prevent flooding of the area. During the course, from then to now I was assured by the GM of Uitvlugt Estate the door would be operational by six this afternoon”, he said.
The Chairman revealed that there were no reports of major flooding in the area. He explained that he is happy, since they had recently completed cleaning some of the main canals in the Tuschen/Uitvlugt district which has aided in taking off some of the water that came through the koker door.
He added that based on the reports he received; the structural integrity of the door was weakened by barnacles that were eating the wood, coupled with strong waves on Thursday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Head of the Civil Defence Commission, Major Kester Craig noted that the CDC is monitoring the situation, and advised residents in the areas to take all precautions against possible flooding in case of a breach.
Recently, a koker located at Market Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), had broken, causing massive flooding to nearby homes. Over 1100 households suffered serious damages to their appliances, furniture, and livestock.
Authorities have since installed a steel door at that location. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had explained that the steel door will prevent the kind of disasters usually experienced with timber sluice doors.
The steel will allow a lifespan of 40 years compared to the six to eight associated with the usual greenheart gates used across the country.
Minister Mustapha had revealed that the Government plans to have all sluice doors converted to steel in approximately 20 years.