Residents in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) have finally received the answer to their prayers as the water levels have almost returned to normal according to Assistant Regional Executive Officer (AREO), Leola Narine.
Narine, in an interview with Guyana Times, stated that despite the water levels dropping tremendously, communities such as Lamp Island and Park Road
Helpless residents in Kwakwani who are negotiating their next move
continue to be affected by floodwaters, owing to the fact that they are in close proximity of the Berbice River.
She, however, reported that most of the residents have been able to return to their livelihoods.
The AREO noted that there have been three reports of illnesses in the area with two of them being rash-related.
She said that the illnesses were not serious, but the patients were being monitored by medical personnel in that Region.
“We currently have medical supplies on the ground to ensure that we are able to deal with any sicknesses which may arise,” Narine pointed out.
According to her, Environmental Health Officers have donated detergents to the residents so as to kill the germs and the stench left behind from the floodwaters.
On another note, the AREO expressed her appreciation to all those who assisted Kwakwani residents in their time of need. Kwakwani residents were losing hope after being unable to see soil for more than two months.
Hundreds of hampers were distributed among the villagers over the period, since they were unable to reap their agricultural produce.
More than 300 households were affected by the disastrous situation and although the residents have adopted adaptive measures, most homes were completely flooded resulting in them being forced to move to higher ground.
The flooding in Kwakwani started in April and intensified over the months owing to heavy rainfall coupled with the overtopping of the Berbice River. Persons living on Lamp Island and the Waterfront are the most severely affected.
The water rose as high as eight feet in some areas and was receding slowly. Residents were forced to utilise boats as their main mode of transportation, since the roads were inundated.
