Major sea defence works underway at Leguan
Works underway at the Endeavour, Leguan sea defence
Works underway at the Endeavour, Leguan sea defence

By Rabindra Rooplall

THE poor quality work done on sea defence projects at Leguan years ago is appalling and now the new government is tasked with executing additional and corrective works, according to Regional and Government Councillor, Dr. Kamal Roy Narine.There are four major projects being carried out on the sea defense to protect the foreshore at La Bagatelle, Endeavour, Maryville and Cane Garden.

“I am very happy to see what has been going on for the short period of time,” he said, adding that the targeted areas were neglected and overtopping always affected the residents.

GROYNES
According to Dr. Narine, the island needs groynes, which are man-made structures designed to trap sand as it is moved down the beach by the long shore drift. As the longshore drift current approaches the groyne, it is forced to slow down and change direction.
He explained that the improper placement of boulders (often improperly sized) also causes a distortion and sagging of the sea defences, especially when the sand washes out.

The councillor further said that if the sea defense is done properly then there will be no flooding and roads, bridges and other infrastructural work can be done.
“Sea defence is a priority for the island, then every other investment will fall into place… Anytime there was a spring tide, because of the poor conditions of the sea defence, many residents were usually flooded.”
ENGINEERING AUDITS
Suggesting that engineering audits be conducted on all sea defence works done so as to identify the problems and take corrective action, Dr Narine noted these projects cost hundreds of millions of dollars and are a severe burden to the taxpayer when poor work is done.
Last year, the Public Infrastructure Ministry through its Sea and River Defence Division (SRDD) strengthened the sea and river defence within the country’s geographically defined sea defence districts.

Work Services Group Coordinator Geoffrey Vaughn had noted that activities in 2015 included advancing sea defence construction (new construction/reconstruction, rehabilitation and maintenance work). There was also procurement of equipment and materials for the execution of routine maintenance and emergency works (by the WSG Force Account Unit), monitoring and research activities, and public awareness and community evaluation, Vaughn said.

The following areas in 2015 that benefit under the CDB-funded 3rd sea defence project focused on flood protection infrastructure and targets a total of 5.4km of reconstruction work.

The eight critical locations are as follows: Johanna Cecelia/Zorg, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (1,000); Success, Leguan Island, Region 3 (500m); Endeavour/Blenheim, Leguan Island, Region Three (430m); Grove/Look Out, East Bank Essequibo, Region 3 (530m); Crane/Harlem/Rotterdam/Mary, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (1,000m); Good Success/New Hope, East Bank Demerara, Region Four (500m); Lonsdale/Sister’s Village, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (700m); and Number 78 Village to Line Path, Corentyne, Region Six (700m).

 

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