The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has redeployed equipment and other resources to bolster efforts to minimize effects of overtopping of sea dams and other vulnerable areas along the coast. According to a press release from the Ministry yesterday, the NDIA is currently supporting local government authorities and the River and Sea Defence Unit of the Ministry of Public Works by clearing canals and waterways for effective drainage once the spring tide recedes. The release said that work is currently being undertaken by an NDIA excavator at Farm/Herstelling East Bank Demerara, while other equipment is being mobilized to support vulnerable areas.
According to the Hydromet Service, the spring tide alert will be effective until August 15, and residents in vulnerable low lying riverine and coastal communities, especially those living along sea and river defences, are being advised to be alert for spring tides.
Further, NDIA engineers are deployed to monitor internal drainage systems and effect necessary works to decrease water accumulation resulting from overtopping of river and sea defences. While the Ministry of Public Works is responsible for the river and sea defence, the NDIA will continue its efforts to preserve farming areas from overtopping river water.
The NDIA will continue to support local government authorities and the River and Sea Defence Unit of the Ministry of Public Works to ensure that all internal drainage systems are working to effectively drain overtopping water once the tide recedes.