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Excavators rushed to affected areas as more warnings issued
For the third day in a row, residents on the East Bank of Demerara and several other areas countrywide, saw water rise threateningly as a result of spring tides. This was the scene at Meadow Bank late yesterday afternoon.
As several parts of the country grapple with overtopping from spring tides, government yesterday announced that it has deployed equipment and workers to affected areas to assess the situation and conduct emergency works.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is working with the local government authorities and the River and Sea Defence Unit of the Ministry of Public Works to clear canals and waterways for effective drainage once the spring tide recedes, the Ministry of Agriculture said yesterday in a statement.
Currently, works are being undertaken by an NDIA excavator at Farm/Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, while other equipment is being mobilized to support vulnerable areas.
Another excavator has been rushed to Eversham, East Berbice, after severe flooding was reported there.
Residents there told Kaieteur News that despite pleas to the Sea Defence officials, nothing was done. The NDIA was however summoned and an excavator was sent in.
According to the Hydromet Service, of the Ministry of Agriculture, the spring tide alert will be in effect until Sunday.
The ministry warned residents in vulnerable low-lying riverain and coastal communities, especially those living along sea and river defence areas, that they should be alert as spring tides are here.
“Further, NDIA Engineers are deployed to monitor internal drainage system and effect necessary works to increase water accumulation resulting from overtopping of river and sea defence. While the Ministry of Public Works is responsible for the river and sea defence, the Ministry of Agriculture’s NDIA will continue its efforts to preserve farming areas for overtopped river water.”
On Wednesday, a large swath on the East Bank Demerara flooded from overtopping as residents braced for more water in the coming days. With drainage works on at Herstelling and Little Diamond, fears are high among residents who live in the sea dam area.
Government had signaled its intentions to move the residents there in the face of increasing dangers from overtopping and other flooding.
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