Important infrastructural work is taking place in Region 5

Jul 05, 2017 Letters

---

Dear Editor,
I will start off by saying let the naysayers continue their negative yells, but in Region 5 positive things are happening that never happened for years under the PPP government. This is shocking to some, as they talk negatives about the region on digital, print and social media. Those negative people won’t stop the positive works happening in region 5 and Guyana at large.
Over the past weeks, we saw unexpected rainfalls in Region 5 and I can safely say across Guyana at large. Areas that are low have been severely affected and flooded in Region 5. Since the heavy rainfalls are the act of God, we must be prepared to safeguard our residents and their livelihoods. And in Region 5 measures are being put in place to bring ease to the residents.
Over the past weeks, the regional administration has been working hand in hand with the Ministry of Agriculture, NDIA, MMA\ADA and residents to bring much relief to the flooded affected areas. Areas that were affected saw much-needed relief as measures are being put in place across the region by the various agencies.
The reason for the water on the land for a while is because when the tide is high, the koker doors have to be locked. During this time the waters from the backlands get into the residential drains and the main drainage canals causing a rise in the water level. But as soon as the tides drop and the koker doors open the waters get off the land in less than 45 minutes in some areas. There are several self-locking doors drainage tubes for protection of the various villages across Region 5.
At Trafalgar, there are five drainage pumps working when the tide is high and when the tide is low the doors of the sluice go into full swing. At Bush Lot Village NDIA has installed a drainage pump, however, the regional administration has also hired another pump that will help to drain the water at a faster rate. At Trafalgar area, there is a NDIA pump up and running. NDIA has also installed a pump at District 10 Mahaica Creek. All the pumps have been working 24\7 so that the waters can quickly get off the lands.
The sluices in Ithaca, Blairmont, Rosignol and D’Edward villages are also working when there is low tide. This help to drain those areas quickly. There are also several self-locking kokers or tubes with self-locking doors functioning within those areas. A massive cleanup work and re-dredging of drainage canals were also done at the Mahaica Old Road that leads to the old bridge. This area was not clean for several years under the PPP. The regional administration has also embarked on clearing several small drainage trenches within the areas of Rosignol to No.5 villages, No.8 to Bath Settlement, Golden Grove to Belladrum, Mahaicony and Mahaica.
While we are trying to bring much-needed help to the people of Region 5. There are some within the region that are seeking political mileage by spreading false information about the situation and what causes the flood. The regional chairman took television and print media to some of the areas that are affected and talked about the silted up of some of the internal drains within the villages.
Well, I must let the chairman know that some of the internal village drains are the NDC’s responsibility for getting them cleared and also the CIIP workers. But several of the NDCs are controlled by PPP and the CIIP workers have been failing to do what they have to do within those NDCs. Those PPP NDCs don’t care about the residents, so instead of trying to show that Mr. Chairman is doing something positive for the region, you should go to those NDCs and visit the areas that the PPP control and see what they are doing to hamper development.
I must compliment the REO and Regional Engineer for devoting their time and ensure that they are there for the people after working hours and also on weekends. I must compliment the administration for the steps they have taken in ensuring that the main drainage canals are being cleaned. I must compliment the REO and team for a work well done on the Mahaica Old and New-road.
Let us continue the positive works and partnerships for the people in Region 5 and allow the PPP to be more annoyed because for 23 years they did nothing to better the situation in Region 5 and Guyana at large. By working like this and for all the people, it truly shows that the APNU+AFC administration is for all no matter race, religion, politics, etc. In this way Mr. REO and team, we know that there is a “Better Life For All” under this APNU+AFC Government.
Abel Seetaram
APNU+AFC
Regional Councillor
Region 5

---

---