…need for relocation of residents clear, says Persaud
As the rains continue, and Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) still reeling from floods there,  Kwakwani’s water front and Lamp Island in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) are battling what residents there are calling the worst flood in years. And Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, who visited the affected areas yesterday, contends that the need for relocating the residents to higher ground is clear.
“The short term aim is relief and recovery, but in the long term we have to look at relocation for the residents,” Persaud said.
“The area has become uninhabitable and it is clear that we will have to look at relocation,” Persaud said.
Over 150 families have been affected; and as part of the relief effort, assistance continues to make its way to the affected areas – a collaboration by several agencies including the Ministries of Agriculture and Health and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
The Agriculture Minister noted that additional supplies of dry goods and fresh water supplies are expected to arrive in Kwakwani today.

Assessment Ongoing        
Persaud added that, an assessment by his ministry is ongoing, but he disclosed that, to date, the main economic activities – mining and forestry, have not been affected.   
“The water has been here for about three weeks now, but in the last week it has risen to very high levels….the situation is acute and in different areas the water level is fluctuating,” he said.
The minister explained that while there have been no major rains, the (Inter-tropical Convergence Zone) ITCZ remains south and the waters are coming down toward the Kwakwani area forming a basin effect.
Persaud, when asked about access to the area, noted the affected areas are accessible to an extent, but pointed out that the main access road is under water and residents are using the RUSAL road.
He added that the current focus is to intensify support measures and maximise recovery.
“It is a full scale deployment and we are working to support those affected as best we can,” Persaud explained.
Regional Chairman, Mr. Mortimer Mingo, in an invited comment, told the Guyana Chronicle that all efforts are being made to ensure that residents are supported as the situation changes.