Temporary fix keeps water out of Zeelugt as tide rises

As the high tide impends across coastal communities, the Cinderella Park koker at Zeelugt on the West Coast of Demerara recorded a rushing channel of water entering the community, which resulted in a temporary fix to normalise the situation.
A regional official confirmed on Wednesday that water was seen entering from the koker during the afternoon hours. Officials from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the regional administration was called in immediately. While there was an increase in the water levels, the situation was being monitored until a stoppage medium could be installed.
“We have the NDIA engineer and the regional engineer out here. The water levels in some areas in close proximity to this area has raised but we’re monitoring the situation. Maybe when the tide changes, they will put a stop block to prevent any further flooding to the area,” the official said.
It was indicated that a permanent fix is required but there has been no confirmations as to when this will be done.
“They’re looking at the situation. So far, they have indicated that some repair needs to be carried out. We’re not sure as to when that will happen. In the meantime, the stop block will be placed there before the tide comes back,” the official said.
Over the past months, a series of sluices were rehabilitated along the WCD with special attention on sections of the sea defence, which was ruptured during the April high tide last year, causing mass flooding and millions of dollars in damages to property and livestock.
The areas for rehabilitation includes Blankenburg, Windsor Forest, La Jalousie and Cornelia Ida, Leonora, Uitvlugt, Stewartville, De Willem and At Anna Catherina. Presently, those works are still ongoing.