WCD to see permanent sea defence in coming months – NDC Chairman

The sea defences along the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) which were sent crashing down by massive waves during high tide will soon be permanently fixed in the coming months.

This was announced by Uitvlugt-Tuschen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman Vishal Ambedkar, who noted that the area was recently examined during a visit from Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Chairman Julius Faerber.
Meanwhile, the temporary works along the coastline which were halted owing to a shortage of materials have not been restarted. Minister Patterson has indicated that the proposed works for the seawall structures would be sent to be tendered and this will be materialised in a matter of two weeks.
“We were told that within two weeks, the works will be going out to tender,” Ambedkar stated.
However, residents will have to wait for about two months before the tender is reviewed and there will be a better understanding as to the requirements of the permanent structure. From there onwards, a contractor who is deemed as certified will be selected to complete the rehabilitative works.
Presently, there are efforts to obtain more boulders for the construction of the permanent sea defence structure.
The NDC Chairman also noted that there would be consultations among the villagers of the respective communities while they were waiting for the structures to be fixed.
“After it goes out to tender, then we’re in a better position to say what type of works. In the meantime, however, we will be having some discussions and meeting with the community, to describe the technical aspects of the works that will be undertaken.” he explained.
Earlier this month, waves from the Atlantic Ocean which were generated during a spring tide battered the seawall along the WCD, resulting in the destruction of four sections and major flooding. Immediately, members of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) were dispatched to the varying areas, where sandbags were used to temporarily fill the gaps. When the water had receded, the Public Infrastructure Ministry had sent contractors to make temporary repairs by placing boulders along the gaps where sandbags were once used. However, these works were halted last week, and equipment was removed owing to the shortage of the boulders for the completion of the destroyed sections of the seawall.
Meanwhile, there is still no word on the promised compensation for residents who were affected by the floodwaters.