WCD flood victims still awaiting compensation

Residents of West Coast Demerara (WCD) who experienced flooding after a spring tide pummelled the sea defence structures and caused some breaches are still awaiting the compensation which was promised by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.
The Tuschen/Uitvlugt Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman Vishal Ambedkar, during an interview with Guyana Times, revealed that a list was created to assess the damages of the flood victims. Losses of the residents tallied to approximately $100 million, and the list was submitted by the Geographical Representative and Member of Parliament (MP), Mohammed Irfaan Ali. However, Minister Harmon had told the residents that compensation would be given when the list was checked to ensure that the assessments were accurate.
“We are hoping that the compensation promised from the Minister of State, that these people will be able to return to a life that was as normal or as close to normal that they would’ve had before,” the NDC Chairman noted.
Presently, Chairman Ambedkar stated that there has been no feedback from the authorities with regard to the compensation and the list that was submitted by MP Ali.
He also noted that if another high tide struck, the villages will be under water again. As such, the NDC will also need financial assistance to cater for unexpected disasters. He stated, “We also recommended that the Government give us additional funding for incidental expenses such as these.” Moreover, persons who were affected by the flood were still waiting on the Government to approve the list so as to replace some of the items they lost during the flood. Others who farm and rear livestock explained that their livelihoods were destroyed and they are in great need of the money. The flood victims related that they were in need of some financial assistance, so as to restore some degree of normalcy to their lives at the earliest.