Govt seeks readiness for May/June rains

May 06, 2017 News

Cabinet last Tuesday, discussed a drainage and irrigation brief, that was presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, and emphasised the need to be in a state of preparedness on the coastland for the

Cabinet discussed a drainage and irrigation brief and emphasised the need of being in a state of preparedness for the impending May/June rainy season.

impending May/June rainy season.
Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during the post-cabinet press briefing last Thursday, said that Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, and an inter-agency team will visit those areas that are prone to flooding next week.
Cabinet was also informed about the arrangements to implement the rehabilitation of canals, sluices and channels outlets in the city that was approved by Cabinet on April 11, 2017 were proceeding apace.
Millions of dollars are being lost every year to floods in the capital city and its environs.
Despite mammoth funding that was plugged into the city on a few occasions by the former regime – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – residents and businesses were still plagued by deluges which often result in Georgetown being inundated.
The Guyana Hydrometrological Office is advising that the necessary precautionary measures be taken.
While the office does not have specific dates, the Office is expecting that rainfall during this season is above normal.
Funds in the sum of $150M have already been approved and works expected to commence on the de-silting of Sussex Street drains; the de-silting of the drain and culverts along the Railway Embankment from Sheriff Street on the west to the Pump Station on the east; the clearing of six culverts that connect the North Ruimveldt and South Ruimveldt drainage systems; clearing of siphons and attendant drains in the Plum Park Sophia area; repairs to the Meadow Bank sluice and clearing of the Meadowbrook channel inlet; repairs to sluices at Agricola, Rome and Lamaha Street; the clearing of the inlet channels; and the clearing of drains in the Newtown area.
Meanwhile, Minister Patterson, has submitted a Draft Infrastructure Development Plan for Guyana.
According to Harmon, the plan addresses several areas such as urban and sub-urban development; hinterland road and bridges, sea defences, roads and bridges; aerodromes; energy; and the expansion of urban administration.
The Minister said that upon receiving the document, Cabinet sought clarifications of some aspects of the proposed plans and agreed that there will be a detailed discussion of the proposal at the next Conference of Ministers expected to be held later this month.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News