Through collaboration between the Government of Guyana and the European Commission, physical works on the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) has commenced on three sites out of the 33 slated to be constructed, restored and rehabilitated within 23 months.
To strengthen Guyana’s defence against the rising sea level which could adversely affect the majority of Guyanese living on the Coastland, Government has awarded the contract to BK International in November 2009 to reconstruct 1.6 kilometres and rehabilitate or maintain approximately 18 kilometres of sea defence from Regions Two to Six.
Physical construction under this project began in January 2010, Chief Sea and River Defence Officer (ag), of the Ministry of Public Works and Communications Geoffrey Vaughn noted.
Rehabilitation works are currently being expedited at Kitty, Region Four, to strengthen its capacity in protecting the city against flooding. In the same district, 1.4 kilometres of sea defence structure are being reconstructed at Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara, while approximately 200 metres of rip-rap design is ongoing at Springlands, Region Six.
Vaughn noted that the contractor has been mobilising material on other sites to commence work and expressed hope that the company would begin actual construction shortly.
“We have not seen any physical work being executed and we have had several meetings with the contractor highlighting the urgency in executing these works. Also there are penalties if work is not completed within the specified time. BK will have to take that into consideration and accelerate its work programme, so physical work can commence and be completed within a specific period of time as per contract,” Vaughn stated.
Works are also expected to be expedited on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, by that company. Vaughn observed that some areas on the Coast are experiencing the erosion of groynes and these works will help to prevent further erosion and the effects of overtopping during spring tides.
Some other areas slated for construction works under the 9th EDF include Wakenaam and Greenfield, Region Three and Better Hope, Region Four.
The fund provided by the European Commission amounts to over Euro $17M. The utilisation of the grant will foster preventative maintenance and reconstruction, as well as the Institutional Capacity Building components, including the expansion of the already established Shore Zone Management System.
The preservation of existing mangroves and possibly the regeneration of mangroves where they once formed the natural defence against the sea, are elements under this programme. (GINA)