Road repair works to begin as situation slowly improves
THREE sections of the Karasabai Road are to be repaired through the Works Ministry, because of the recent flooding that occurred in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo),Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Collin Croal, disclosed yesterday.
Croal returned from the Rupununi on Thursday after being part of a team that sought to lend coordinating support to stakeholders in the recent flooding situation in Region Nine.
Yesterday, he reported at a press conference held at the Local Government Ministry’s Fort Street, Kingston offices that the current situation in the region was improving, and that the Regional Disaster Preparedness Committee continues to meet daily. He also observed that the weather forecast had not predicted cessation of the rains.
However, he said that fair weather had prevailed in the region over the last few days, and that the situation seemed to be gradually returning to normal.
Croal acknowledged the support of the Rupununi Chambers of Commerce, the Guyana Water Incorporated, the Lethem Power Company, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Region Nine administration, the Community Development Officer at the Ministry of Amerindian affairs, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud offered that because rainfall had been heightened, the ministry was monitoring the situation on a daily basis through reports from all ten administrative regions, 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and six municipalities.
In Region One (Barima/Waini), Minister Persaud said, intensity of the rainfall had increased since last Thursday, and a similar situation obtained in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), particularly in the remote areas.
Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) has been experiencing intermittent weather conditions.
The minister said he was happy to report that, on the coastland, the drainage and irrigation structures have assisted with dire weather conditions. This enabled the water that accumulated on the land to disappear as soon as the pumps and kokers became operable.
In view of the impact of climate change, with its concomitant difficulties, it is not easy to predict weather conditions, hence the ministry is on high alert, Persaud informed.
Earlier this week, he told the press that persons seriously affected by the flooding were still in the shelters identified by authorities, anticipating that the water would recede so they could return to their homes. There have been reports of damages to some farmlands and crops.
At St. Ignatius, in Central Lethem, the water was rising, but not as rapidly as on Wednesday evening. At Tabatinga, water was in the yards of a few homes, especially those close to the creek.
Several shelters were identified at the Arapaima Primary School, Culvert City Nursery Annexe, Christian Brethren Rest House, Caretaker’s Quarters, Regional Guest House, Government Quarters R15 and R 28, and Beverly Hills Quarters.
A boat has been put in place to facilitate crossing at the Lethem/St. Ignatius Bridge, while additional boats have been located at different points to facilitate persons cross flooded areas.  Garbage bags, bleach and Jeyes fluid have been distributed to persons close to the Tabatinga Creek, while adequate drugs are reportedly available in the event of an outbreak of water-borne diseases.
According to Minister Persaud, heavy rain in the Lethem area, coupled with overflowing of the Rio Branco in neighbouring Brazil, resulted in the continued rising of water in Region Nine.
The Kumu Bridge was covered; and at Manari, the approach had been washed away from a small bridge. However, emergency works have already commenced there.
In Sand Creek, 11 households were evacuated, and water began receding in the Rupununi River. There has been no reported outbreak of illnesses, and basic medical supplies are said to be adequate.