NEW Amsterdam Mayor Mr. Claude Henry, in highlighting the recent floods which resulted in the inundation of homes of Stanleytown residents, primarily those who live alongside the Berbice River, said the Council has embarked on a spraying exercise so as to prevent an outbreak of water-borne diseases. Expressing regret over the incident, Henry noted that while the incident was due to overtopping, the continual rainfall has allowed some measure of water to remain inland. However, through the monthly press conference held at the Council’s Chamber, the citizenry has been informed of a feasibility study which is  currently ongoing to determine the state of the town’s sea defence, and what measures can be put in place to prevent a recurrence of flooding.
Henry is also seeking assistance from the corporate bodies and individuals to supply the much needed disinfectants and other chemicals, which will be used as a precautionary method against the spread of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
On July 5 last, the sound of a mighty gushing wind coupled with light rainfall and rising gushing floodwaters from the Berbice River greeted residents of western Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, when they awoke shortly after 05:00 hours.
Consequently, motor vehicle owners have had to tow their possessions to higher ground, while those occupying lower flats continue to assess their damage they suffered, as no one — not even those buried at the Stanleytown Cemetery — was spared the wrath of the waters, which has reached its highest level in over forty years.
Residents, particular those living along the riverbank, got the shock of their lives when, on awakening, they stepped into the waters which had gushed into their homes.