-machinery deployed to communities to alleviate flooding
THE National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) yesterday deployed pumps and excavators to drain water off the land at several villages along West Coast Demerara, inclusive of De Kinderen, which had experienced 8.9 inches of rainfall over the last two days. A team from the NDIA was on site inspecting the works. It was observed that the water had receded to a significant degree in most parts of the village, while in others, excavators were working to clear the drains and bring relief to affected residents.
In Meten-Meer-Zorg also, excavators were deployed and are currently working continuously to decrease the level of flooding.
The pump stations along the West Coast have been working efficiently and works are ongoing to get the water off the ground. Also in Region 3, an excavator and pontoon are carrying out a dredging exercise at Den Amstel to alleviate flooding in that area.
Several affected residents in Meten-Meer-Zorg and De Kinderen, told GINA that they were grateful for the intervention being made by the ministry.          
One resident, Ismay Wessels, whose yard and surrounding area were flooded due to the intense rainfall which battered the West Coast early this week, noted that the pumping of the water has alleviated flooding and has been instrumental in preventing the water from rising as much as it would have normally.
The koker has been in operation since the two neighbouring villages have been inundated and the water has been receding swiftly off the land, another resident said.
Maurice Forrestor, a resident of Meten-Meer-Zorg, told GINA that the flood water is detrimental to residents as it breeds a lot of dangerous animals; but noted that the work that is being undertaken by the NDIA is helping the situation in a significant way, expressing his gratitude for the excavations.
These emergency interventions were promised by Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud on Monday following an extensive visit to several affected communities around the country.
The NDIA remains fully mobilized and ready to offer whatever additional support it can provide to vulnerable communities.
The Hydrometeorological Office has warned of cloudy conditions with showers and intermittent rain over Regions 1 to 7 and 10, and on Saturday through to Monday, partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with occasional showers, mostly over coastal and near inland locations.
Due to La Nina conditions, brief to heavy showers, light continuous rain and afternoon outbursts of thunder will be experienced over the next months or more.   (GINA)