Leguan’s residents and their livelihoods now protected by $627M worth of sea defence

Nov 24, 2019 AFC Column, Features / Columnists

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The residents of Leguan, their farms, their cattle and other animals, their kitchen gardens, boats and markets lived at the mercy of surging tides from the raging Essequibo River that rose several times every single year. Their homes and farmlands flooded with depressing regularity just because the defence structures that were supposed to protect them were insufficient, inadequate, old and porous.
New rip-rap structures to strengthen the island’s shoreline took just about a year to construct, and they were officially commissioned in November 2019. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, responsible for developing and overseeing construction of infrastructure countrywide, intends to continue to repair and maintain the structures on the islands of Leguan and its neighbor Wakenaam, all of it is securely protected during high tides, spring tides, and ultimately rising water levels as a result of global warming.
In Cane Garden at the northern end of Leguan, a $44M structure was built to complement the earthen embankment surrounding nearby farmlands. Cash crop farmer, Rhamat Hussain, recalled the losses he experienced over the years due to poor sea defences. He said, “We had a flood … that damaged thousands of watermelon and pumpkin. So, this (new sea defence) is going to be a good help for the farmers here”. Residents have also complained about constant over topping, flooding of homes and open spaces, and damage to land, crops, loss of livestock and money.
Over in Elizabeth Ann, the failed sandcrete structure was replaced by a concrete crest wall costing $9M.
Region 3 Engineer, Seenarine Nandram, recalled the 2010 sea defence breach measuring about one kilometre which exposed the island to flood, but that breach was patched up in a hurry. No one went back to install permanent sea defence. He said that it was this Government that began to upgrade the boulder face structures and replace it with rip-rap sea defence.
So, early in November, the two recently completed sea defence projects, together costing $627M, were commissioned by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally who was accompanied by Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine. Now, with these defences in place against the fast running, often surging Essequibo River, residents of Leguan will have no more anxiety during seasonal high tides.
These projects form part of a multibillion-dollar Infrastructure Development Programme financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). During his visit, Minister Jordan said, “This is evidence of what the Coalition Government has been saying from the inception of this term, that we are interested in developing the entire country. This is all for the people who live on this island, people who make a living off of this island”.
The cadre of engineers and sea defence experts attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure have been focused on Leguan since 2016, since the flooding and inundation problems were placed close to the top of the Ministry’s list of priorities.
The fact is, the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam are in close proximity to the mouth of the Essequibo River. This situation also results in some salt water from the Atlantic mixing with the Essequibo river water and managing to seep inland to create even more damage to crops in the ground and in storage.
The damaged sea defence at Leguan was over 40 years old, so it was easily breached. Water was constantly seeping past the old structure from the bottom to cause residents lot of discomfort and loss.
During the visit to Leguan earlier this month, the two Ministers and Mayor Narine took the opportunity to interact with residents, at the Leguan Secondary School in Blenheim, on the streets and in their homes.
The Mayor offered this advice to the young people who were present at the school meeting: “Do not listen to negative talk. Make wise choices today and continuously. I want to let you know that this government cares for you and it will ensure that you have the necessary tools to succeed”.
SOLAR FARM, ROAD UPGRADES FOR LEGUAN
A one-megawatt (1MW) solar farm, LED street lights, further strengthened sea defences, and upgraded roads are just a few of the planned infrastructural projects for the island in the very near future.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and a team had visited in September to assess the progress on the new sea defence structures. He too took a walk-through the communities and announced that his Ministry’s master plan includes two 1 Megawatt solar farms to be installed in both Leguan and Wakenaam. This is going to provide valuable electricity that will no doubt help the residents. The power plants on the island are old and unreliable. The solar power farms will be funded through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF).
In addition, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure also came through on a previous promise to the residents to change out 47 incandescent street lights with energy-saving LED lights. He also gave 53 additional LED lights to the community, and invited them to interact with the technicians who now have a permanent base there.
TOGETHER IS BETTER
The AFC wishes to confirm reports that consensus has been reached on the Cummingsburg Accord between APNU and the AFC. Details of the revised Cummingsburg Accord will be provided upon the formal signing.
The parties will campaign jointly for re-election of the APNU+AFC Coalition for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Much has been achieved by the APNU+AFC coalition during its first term in office (2015-2020), and this high pace of national transformation will continue during a second term together.
The AFC remains committed to inclusive governance, and to end winner-takes-all politics in Guyana. With the approach of first oil and the creation of a vibrant new sector in our economy, the AFC gives this nation the commitment that no Guyanese will be left out of the prosperity that is sure to follow.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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REMEMBERING SHEILA HOLDER
It has been eight years since she departed this earth, but it seems as if time has stood still. It is as if she is still here, elegant and motherly, encouraging us to be strong and to always do what is right! Sheila Valerie Agnes Holder was a woman who exemplified the word ‘stalwart’. A hundred adjectives still describe her, and to hear them all, you should go to the Centre for Change in Kitty on Wednesday 27 November for our ‘Night of Reflection’ on our dearly departed Sister and AFC Founder.

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