An appeal from the M&CC…
– resist temptation to dump waste in water-ways
THE Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is calling on all citizens to assist its on-going drainage programme by desisting from the ever present temptation to dump their waste, including styrofoam and plastic, into the water-ways.
Public Relations Officer at the M&CC, Mr. Royston King, said the geography of the city makes effective drainage vital to the sustainable development of the city , and its local communities.
The city is said to be 4ft below the normal high tide and an additional 2ft at spring tide.
Over the last few days there have been persistent heavy rains. The forecast suggests that this trend of rainfall is likely to continue for the rest of this year.
However, according to the City Engineer, all the municipality’s hydro-flow pumps, and other drainage facilities are functioning to full capacity.
Also, over the last few months, the Engineer’s Department carried out drainage works to the major canals in the city.
Currently, the department is desilting the Dower Canal. That project is 90% complete. Other canals include: Cummings Canal, Lamaha Canal and North sideline Canal. The department is also working on a plan to desilt the Cane View Canal.
However, King said the achievement of this depends on the availability of funds at the council.
According to him, these works cost the council about $15 million dollars. In addition, council must expend another $1 million dollars per day, to clear parapets and roadside waste, which if not cleared, get into the canals and restrict the flow of waste water.
This results in accumulation of water in certain areas of the City of Georgetown. This has a negative impact on private and community properties and the natural environment as a whole.
Therefore, council is appealing to all citizens to keep their surroundings free from garbage and over growths.
Also, the Mayor and City Council is calling on citizens to ensure that their surface drains and other channels including roof gutters are in order to allow for the effective drainage of storm water from their lots.