Prime Minister warns residents to play their part to avoid flooding

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips has appealed to residents of flood-impacted areas and by extension all of Guyana to ensure that they dispose of their garbage in the proper manner. Phillips noted that drains and canals continue to be clogged with garbage and unnecessary items, which exacerbates the problems during the rainy season.

The Prime Minister, who leads the National Taskforce on Flooding, issued this caution, while meeting with taskforce members virtually on Monday evening. Phillips disclosed that the Taskforce is working through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC); the Agriculture Ministry via the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Hydrometeorological Service; the Housing and Water Ministry; and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Prime Minister Phillips at the meeting, stressed that operations have been ongoing since the first reports of head rainfall over the last two days.

Phillips pointed out that while pumps are being installed and excavators are cleaning waterways, all residents must do their part to ensure that they are prepared for flood impacts. “Persons must also be considerate when disposing of their garbage, which if done improperly can aid the flooding of several communities,” Phillips said.

WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal on Monday evening, along several members of the taskforce, gave their assessment of the works currently being executed to remedy the situation. Mustapha disclosed that Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) and Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) are the significantly impacted areas along the coastland. Minister Mustapha explained further that about 70% of the water from Huntley to Abary in Region Five has receded due to consistent drainage and cleaning operations.

He disclosed that excavators and pumps have been deployed throughout the impacted communities and that he is comfortable with the progress. Mustapha noted that in Region Two, the dredging of a few rivers, including the Pomeroon River, is high on the agenda so as to alleviate future inundations. He admitted that resources have been mobilised in that region so that relief works can begin as soon as possible. Minister Croal said that works are also ongoing in Region Nine and that potable water is accessible once again to affected households.

Croal disclosed that although the water level is still rising, the team on the ground has been working around the clock to ensure that people get the needed help. The minister said that at the moment there are three shelters in place in case persons need to be relocated.  He noted that food items distribution will take place through the involvement of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Croal said that rainfall over the last few days has been excessive.  Chief Meteorological Officer, Dr Garvin Cummings, in his report, noted that Region Five had the most rainfall (five inches) from Sunday into Monday (24 hours). Cummings pointed out that although the rainfall is expected to be less today, residents should continue to remain cautious.

The Chief Meteorological Officer, said precipitation was above normal in some areas, which greatly exceeded drainage capacity and surface runoff. He said this has been made worse due to ground saturation, particularly in low-lying and riverain areas. The PM stressed that the Taskforce, via the relevant agencies and Ministries, will monitor the developing situation continuously and provide updates as they are available. As such. Phillips advised that persons are encouraged to 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.