Water being pumped out of a store at Strand, New Amsterdam, on Wednesday
Overnight rainfall has left several sections of the town of New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), inundated on Wednesday.
One of the worst affected areas was Vryman’s Erven, where residents reported up to six inches of water in their yards. Residents of Glasgow say they woke up this morning to water pouring into their homes. The business community was variously affected, with many businesses being unable to open until afternoon, when the level of water had subsided.
One business owner was seen pumping water out of his store, where more than six inches of water was lodged. He told this publication that flooding comes about whenever there is prolonged rainfall. He said there is no maintenance of the drainage system, and it currently has very little capacity. He said authorities need to stop depending on the ancient way of draining the community and install pumps similar to those installed in some parts of the country, including the capital city.
One of the hardest hit sections of the business community was Pitt Street, where some business persons said it took them hours to bail water out of their premises before they were able to open for business.
The proprietor of Sharron’s Variety said the water started entering her building at 22:00h on Tuesday, and had risen to four inches.
“Suitcases of clothing have been damaged,” she declared.
The businesswoman said she was unable to use her kitchen or open her store for the day. “We are having this problem for a long time. I tried to get people to dig the drains, but I can’t do it alone. Others have to do their part for it to become clear,” she said. However, the inter-lot is being used by business owners at Pitt Street as a garbage collection site.
Meanwhile, Gyandat Marray who operates a pharmaceutical business in the town says whenever there is heavy rainfall his store if flooded. He says blocked drains are one of the main contributing factors. Coupled with that, the tide was high, thus preventing sluices in the town from being opened to let out the water.
“Due to the heavy rain last night, when I woke up and I came downstairs to open and do business, the whole place was flooded; all over with six inches of water, and we had to bail. We started about 8 O’clock.”
According to the businessman, it took his staff three hours to get the water out of the section of the building which is used by customers.
“All isn’t bailed as yet, we still have some in the garage,” he added.
Nicola Luther says the Municipality should take responsibility. Luther, who is seeking a seat on the new council, says she is concerned because the community which she hopes to represent is suffering whenever there is prolonged rainfall in the town.
“This morning (Wednesday) I woke up to a lot of phone calls, with people telling me to come out and see what is happening. When I came here, the first thing I observed was that the head of Pitt Street was blocked, and all the businesses, the stores, are flooded. It is hurtful to see what is happening to some of the people that are working at those businesses and those that own stores. I have seen a lot of items damaged,” she said.
“They said they would have made several complaints to the Town Council about this situation. This is not a situation that has been occurring now; it has been occurring for years, and they are still not doing anything.”
The entire road network in Vryman’s Erven was inundated, and certain vehicles could not even venture into that community. (G4)
