River defence works leave section of Islington seawall breached

Residents of Islington, Greater New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have expressed concern after a section of the community’s river defence structure was reportedly damaged during ongoing sea and river defence works on Monday evening. The incident had left part of the seawall breached, and residents were worried about the impact of high tides while they awaited answers from the authorities.
Residents said that for several weeks work has been ongoing along the Islington seawall.

The works involved the placement of sand along the landward side of the river defence structure and, more recently, the installation of large boulders along the river’s edge.
According to residents, the situation escalated on Monday evening when a barge operating on the Berbice River began placing additional boulders in the area. While earlier loads were reportedly placed without incident, residents contend that during the placement of another set of rocks, part of the existing concrete structure was struck and severely damaged.
The impact had left a section of the river defence structure breached, with large portions of concrete breaking away and falling among the newly placed boulders.
The affected area extends for more than thirty feet, and the damage has become concerning as the tide began to rise Monday evening, allowing water to overtop the compromised area.
By Tuesday morning, residents were closely monitoring conditions as the area faced another high tide cycle. Their concerns intensified as forecasts indicated that an even higher tide was expected later in the day.
Adding to those concerns, residents claim that after the incident occurred, workers operating from the barge left the location, and no explanation was provided regarding what had happened or what immediate remedial measures would be taken.
The residents on Tuesday morning tried to document the condition of the structure, expressing fears that continued tidal action could worsen the situation if urgent corrective works are not undertaken.
Additionally, the contractor has been placing sand with no revetment, allowing sand to fall, blocking the internal drainage system.
Meanwhile, records show that Works at Islington is part of the Public Works Ministry’s programme for the construction of sea and river defence structures.
A contract valued at more than $136.7 million was awarded to I & R Construction on March 31 this year.
The project was listed as covering river defence works within the Islington community. The contractor has been paid $136.7 million.
Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill subsequently instructed that the contractor carry out immediate remedial works, which were undertaken.
On Wednesday evening residents confirmed that remedial works were being done to repair the breach.