Residents break roadway to allow water to run off
RESIDENTS of the Cornelia Ida Sea View area on the West Coast of Demerara in Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) were yesterday affected by the high spring tides overtopping sections of the sea defense triggering concerns.

The sea lashes the defense at Anna Catherina

Many residents came out to witness the scene as huge waves smashed over the wall leaving many homes swamped with water as residents tried feverishly to mitigate the effect by breaking a section of the road so the water would run off into the perimeter drain, as the culvert was too small to accommodate the volume of water.

Minister of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali, who was on the scene yesterday, stated that it is one of areas in Region Three that has been affected by the high tide.

“This is one of the highest tides that we have had over the last few days, and this is a natural occurrence; and we have warned residents living in areas like these of the possibility of excessive flooding during this period,” he reminded.

He noted that only last Tuesday, parts of the East Coast experienced similar problems but stated that it is “bit more intense” in Region Three.

A flooded yard at Anna Catherina.

“But I am very happy that the residents themselves are putting forward some of the solutions, and one of the critical issue that we have been talking about a number of times is squatting along sea defenses and sea dams,” he told reporters.

Adding, “This is a direct impact of that because we have given notices to these persons to remove so that we can build a façade just behind the sea defence to take the water out.”

He observed that residents themselves have recognised this, and are saying if that façade and bigger outlets were in place, the present situation would not have occurred.

Minister Ali disclosed that some persons were even given notice up to two weeks ago to remove, stating, “And some of them were given house lots and they sold the house lots; and some of them have house lots and they have not moved to their house lots as yet.”

He said a few persons were interviewed and were offered lots at Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara, and refused the offer, saying they want Anna Catherina or Cornelia Ida.

He reiterated, “What I am happy for here today is that the residents themselves have acknowledged this, and they have put forward the solution so I think people are becoming more aware.”

Minister Ali noted that one of the residents was talking about global warming and this is one of the effects of the changes.

He stated that some of the residents are upset, but “they understand that this is a natural occurrence.”

“This has nothing to do with Government. This is a natural occurrence. We are trying our best but we want people to understand that we have to follow the rule of law; we have to start respecting the various reserves,” he stated.

Asked what is going to be done if squatters continue to refuse to move, he underscored this is a dilemma since the Government has done all in its policy framework to help the people.

“The only alternative we have is to remove them forcibly. Now that they have felt the impact of what we are talking about, I hope that they would take the best decision, the natural decision, and the most just decision, because not only they are suffering here because of their action; the entire community is suffering,” he stated.

In a release from the Ministry of Agriculture last Tuesday, the ministry advised farming communities adjacent to rivers and sea defence to take necessary precautions to avoid possible flooding as the spring tide is in effect, resulting in overtopping of sections of the East Coast sea defence.

According to the National Weather Watch Station, the spring tide will continue until January 06, 2010.

Earlier that day, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud and technical
officers had inspected vulnerable communities along the East Coast of Demerara and interacted with residents and farmers.

He pointed out that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority and the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/Agricultural Development Authority are on full alert to support their sister agency, the Sea Defence Unit.

Further, the Ministry’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority have
already mobilised an excavator which is on standby at Montrose, while
clogged residential canals and culverts were cleared.
The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to support its sister Ministry of
Public Works and Communication in light of the current El Nino situation
with greater monitoring over the next 48 hours.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Hotline numbers are 227-5049, 223-7291 and
text messaging: 691-0000.