Public Works Minister assesses flooding in Kwakwani

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill on Saturday visited Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to engage with residents who have been severely affected by recent devastating floods in the area due to periodic heavy rainfall.
Minister Edghill made his first stop at Kwakwani Waterfront where he met with affected residents from Lamp Island which is prone to flooding during these periods.

The visit is a part of the Government’s overall response to the communities across the country affected by floods, a directive given by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
Flood waters in the various areas of Kwakwani were on Wednesday reported to have risen about two to three feet respectively.
This rise in flood waters came as a result of the outburst of the large accumulation of water at the mouth of the Berbice River (top side), coupled with unprecedented torrential downpours, which has forced several families to evacuate their homes and relocate to higher ground.

Members of the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council and personnel from the Civil Defence Commission have since been providing relief assistance to residents.
During the same period last year, which saw Guyana facing severe flooding countrywide resulting in millions of dollars in crops, cattle, and land being lost, Kwakwani was among the most severely hit in Region 10.
This resulted in many being evacuated and relocated to shelters set up by authorities. Flooding last year in the region began in early May and continued throughout July.