Residents in the riverine areas at Coomacka Mines, Region Ten (Upper Demerara- Berbice) are presently affected by intense flooding, which according to them, has been caused by the river overtopping about a week ago.
The effects for these residents have been devastating with thehomes and yards of several families in the area still underwater. A resident explained to Guyana Times that the land in the flooded section of the community is “very low”, a fact which sets the stage for intense flooding under the circumstances.
Residents noted that this has been the case for over the past week, and that the water appears to continue to raise higher daily. Residents have also reported that approximately 90 per cent of the Coomacka beach has since been covered. They noted that during a recent visit by Minister of State Joseph Harmon a promise was made to have the river dredged.
In January, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) had responded to threats of erosion to the Coomacka River, an issue which has since resulted in serious concern by both residents and regional officials alike, since almost half the river has since been rendered impassable. NDIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Flatts visited the community where he and other officials, including Regional Chairman Renis Morian and Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, along with officials of the Regional Works Committee assessed the situation. Morian had asserted that while erosion has always affected the river in the community it had become worse. Residents also noted that a few years ago residents had suffered tremendous losses due to river erosion. During the visit by Flatts, officials tried to ascertain the source of the situation as they visited several sites. According to the Regional Chairman, who also served in the capacity of Regional Councillor in the past, the area has lacked maintenance over the past 15 years which eventually led to the situation worsening. Morian also noted recently that years of unregulated mining has had negative impacts on the Coomacka area. During his assessment, Flatts also indicated that the situation with the river had indeed gotten worse. An official also noted that based on assessment, the situation has gotten so out of hand that one can actually walk across the river. (Utamu Belle)
