Region finally conduct remedial works after media reports

Paramakatoi dorm flooding

Days after Guyana Times reported about the flooding situation faced by students living at the Paramakatoi dormitory, the issue has been rectified.

The issue of flooding at the Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) dormitory was as a result of the wall which was broken but not fixed, thus causing rainwater to pour into the building.
Chairman of Region Eight, Bonaventure Fredericks when contacted said that the problem at the dorm was corrected. He explained that the dorm, which is located at the foot of a hill, was flooded after a concrete wall that was built to prevent water from entering the building broke.
“What happened was that the wall give away and all the water went inside as it had nowhere else to go.”
Fredericks noted that emergency works directed by the regional office were done and a new concrete wall was rebuilt to avoid a recurrence.
Meanwhile, this publication also received reports of a leaky roof creating discomfort for students at the Cato Primary School also in that region, however, the Regional Chairman in response to questions stated that the leaks are minor and due to constant rainfall. He went on to say that it is not having any major effects on the students. “Those leaks are not serious. It’s just a few holes on the zinc but it’s not a major problem,” he said.
The Paramakatoi dorm was completely flooded last week for several days as a result of the persistent heavy rainfalls. The issue, residents had said, had been affecting them since 2017 and no efforts were being made by the Administration to remedy the problem.
A housekeeper at the dorm told Guyana Times that she and the children occupying the dorm were awoken by floodwaters gushing into the building.
She said they were forced to get out of bed and pack up books and clothing and whatever else they could have in an effort to avoid further damages. “The water was already coming in…by the time I get up, I woke the kids to pack up their bags and books and so on because everything would have damaged completely. All their shoes and so were floating away,” she said.
The frustrated woman explained that they have raised concerns on this issue at several meetings with those in authority, however, no intervention was made.
“Every time they call a meeting we bring it up…two years after, we still bringing it up and we’re still waiting on action. This is hard on us and these children here suffering. Nobody cares…I really believe this present Administration doing a poor job for the Amerindian people. It is clear they have no regards for us. Now you see them running around trying to bribe people to buy votes but we see right through them. We will not be fooled or misled. They care about no one but themselves,” she added.
She further said that the regional officials were fully aware of the problem while adding that they oftentimes claim that they have to await the intervention of Central Government to address it. However, the Chairman maintained that the flooding was only as a result of the collapsed wall.
The housekeeper made calls on the authorities to put necessary measures in place to execute the much-needed works to ensure that the facility is not affected by heavy showers in the future.
The dormitory accommodates approximately 400 students from across the region and even some from Region Nine communities in close proximity.