THE recent severe flooding in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) has prompted the authorities to be on guard to deal with similar circumstances should they recur. Boats are, therefore, available, the Disaster Preparedness Committee is in place and several Government buildings have already been identified as places of shelter.
Though the rains are no longer as heavy, Regional Executive Officer (REO), Claire Singh told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday: “We (the region) are still preparing.”
During the flood, electricity was only available for 18 hours but not between midnight and 06:00 hrs.
Ms. Singh said, now though, residents have access to electric power on a 24-hour basis and the weather is much better.
She said, despite the rain still falling, the roads are passable and all the villages can be accessed in spite of minor ‘wash aways’.
Just recently, residents in the region were forced to pack up and leave their homes to seek higher ground after several areas came under severe floods, as a result of the current May/June rains.
The Takutu and Moco Moco rivers were among the major waterways that had been overtopping as a result of flood waters rushing from neighbouring Brazil and several roadways were washed away.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Collin Croal had, subsequently, announced that three sections of the Karasabai Road were to be repaired through the Works Ministry.

SUPPORT
He had acknowledged the support of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Lethem Power Company, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Regional Administration, the Community Development Officer at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Several shelters were identified at the Arapaima Primary School, Culvert City Nursery School Annexe, Christian Brethren Rest House, Caretaker’s Quarters, Regional Guest House, Government Quarters R15 and R 28 and Beverly Hills Quarters.
A boat was put in place to facilitate crossing at the Lethem/St. Ignatius Bridge, while additional vessels were stationed at different points to facilitate persons wanting to cross flooded areas.
Garbage bags, bleach and Jeyes fluid have been distributed to persons close to the Tabatinga Creek, while adequate drugs were reportedly, available in the event of an outbreak of water-borne diseases.
Heavy rain in the Lethem area, coupled with overflowing of the Rio Branco in neighbouring Brazil had 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.
In Sand Creek, 11 households were evacuated. There has been no reported outbreak of illnesses and basic medical supplies were said to be adequate.
Meanwhile, Singh revealed that contracts for 39 projects would have been awarded by the end of yesterday. Works have also begun under the region’s capital programme, through which several roads and buildings are expected to be rehabilitated before year end.
According to her, the region could also see the construction of more than 20 new buildings to house doctors, district education officers and others.
A number of sanitary blocks, consisting of urinals and flush toilets are also to be built, this year while some 15 roads are slated to be rehabilitated.