Swollen rivers pose serious concern amid current flooding – Edghill

…Speightland gets $8M drainage intervention

Intervention to mitigate flooding across several regions in the country will be activated while simultaneously delivering relief supplies, to alleviate the suffering of affected residents.

This was the position taken by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill as he engaged residents of Speightland, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). This is part of Cabinet’s response to the ongoing flooding conditions that have affected communities.
Based on reports, Speightland, Rock Stone, Kwakwani and Landers Ville have experienced unusually higher volumes of water within Region 10. However, water from the Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo Rivers are rising above normal, adding to the devastation.
“What we see happening now is that there is flooding in the highland and hinterland regions, especially with the rivers swelling to heights that we did not see before. The report in the Berbice River is that it is swollen two feet higher than normal levels. Here in the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers, the waters have also swollen,” Edghill told residents.
Emergency procurement for contractors have been undertaken, and works to the tune of $8 million will be carried out in Speightland to combat the flooding situation. This project will commence by next weekend.
“I’m happy that there is an intervention, there is an organised programme for drainage for Speightland,” the Public Works Minister related.
Additionally, there are plans to upgrade the roads throughout Speightland in excess of $40 million in the coming weeks. Throughout the engagement, residents were given the opportunity to share areas where additional assistance is required.
Meanwhile, flood relief supplies have been sent to several regions countrywide. Government, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), has disseminated over 700 food and cleaning hampers, along with several other relief items within the past two weeks.
At Mahaicony Creek, 200 food hampers, 100 cleaning hampers and 100 water purification tablets were distributed. Mahaica Creek received 150 food hampers, 150 cleaning hampers and 75 water purification tablets. Residents of Little Baiboo benefitted from 35 food hampers and cleaning hampers, respectively. At Moraikobai, 200 food hampers and 200 cleaning hampers were distributed.
Affected persons in Linden received 120 hampers while those in Mahdia received 60.
At Kokerite in Region One (Barima-Waini), 100 food hampers, 100 cleaning hampers, 15 mattresses, 10 bales of toilet paper, 75 pairs of long boots, 5 mops, 10 buckets, 20,000 water purification tablets were delivered.
New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) benefitted from 200 cleaning hampers while El Paso, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) received 30 food hampers and 30 cleaning hampers
Currently, relief items procured in Lethem are being packed for distribution in that area. Also, supplies are being prepared to be sent to Regions Five, Seven, Eight and 10.
The CDC has implored that all residents remain vigilant and cautious during this rainy season and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.