Latest update January 21st, 2025 5:15 AM
Latest News
- ‘Govt doesn’t need independent advice to renegotiate ExxonM contract’
- ‘Chokehold of oil on Guyana’s economy spells trouble for country’s climbing debt’- Former Finance Minister
- Rescuers find dozens of bodies in Gaza rubble amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire
- Trump returns to power
- GGMC allays concerns over safe with seized gold, diamonds
Meadowbank residents blame authorities for flooding
While farmers, affected by the prolonged dry spell have expressed pleasure with the recent heavy downpours, residents of Meadowbank East Bank Demerara are dreading the arrival of the rainy season after their village was inundated by recent heavy rains.
This is the state if affairs in all three streets in the small Meadow Bank community
And the community remains flooded days after the rains subsided.
The residents are contending that the disaster could have been averted but repeated calls to the relevant authorities to clear the canal to the north of the village have been ignored further worsening the situation.
The crisis had its genesis last Wednesday after an especially heavy shower. Residents said that they noticed that hours after the rains had subsided that the water that had accumulated on the land, remained. The water carried a heavy stench and residents are afraid that disease may be lurking in the stagnant water. They said that they sought answers from the koker attendant but were informed that there was not much that he could have done.
Kaieteur News spoke with this individual, Steve Vieira, and he explained that the situation required more than just lifting the koker to facilitate the drainage process. He further explained that the Government had ordered the excavation of several drains in close proximity to the Meadowbank Canal but the workers, whether by accident or design, failed to perform similar works on the Meadowbank drains.
Indeed, the canal adjacent to the clogged Meadow Bank canal was cleared of debris and showed signs of remedial works. Mr. Vieira said that the de-silted canal serves residents of the Banks DIH housing area and its immediate environs. “As you can see that area has not been affected by the deluge,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, the affected residents said that the problem existed for quite sometime but despite raising the issue with the relevant authorities nothing has been done. “It is as if they want to see fair play,” a resident whose property was inundated opined.
Alexander Village is a relatively small community of three cross streets and the main road. All three streets running east to west are inundated while the main road, because it is well built up has been spared from the deluge. Residents are forced to wade through deep waters in order to access other parts of the community while a few braved the situation to perform other chores.
Mr. Vieira took this journalist on a tour of the area where he pointed out several deficiencies that contributed to the situation. The water in the river aback of the koker also appeared stagnant and several fishing boats were there, grounded on the river bed and unable to move.
Meanwhile, the residents are wondering how long they would have to suffer before they receive relief.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
How do you analyse a Budget?
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- What if in tabling the 2025 Budget, the Minister with responsibility for Finance did... more
OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus
Antiguan Barbudan Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The upcoming election... more
Weekend Cartoon
