A DOWNPOUR in and around Georgetown yesterday morning caused flooding in some commercial sections as well as residential areas such as Albouystown and South Ruimveldt, forcing a temporary closure of some businesses while keeping many children and senior citizens indoors.

A drive around the city by this newspaper revealed that water accumulation on the land was caused largely by indiscriminate garbage disposal, resulting in drains and canals being blocked by solid waste, including the ever-present and non-biodegradable styrofoam boxes and cups.
Another contributory factor is the irresponsible and illegal dumping of materials such as sand, stone, mud and wood on roadways in front of buildings under construction, with much of this stuff finding its way into nearby drains.

This unfortunate development is prevalent at construction sites along Regent Street, Georgetown, resulting in drains in several blocks being clogged.
The areas from Shiv Chanderpaul Drive extending west to Light Street seem prone to this malpractice, causing several

dwellings to become virtually inaccessible whenever there is a downpour.
It was observed that, not only are households affected, but a House of Worship at the corner of Regent Street and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, with the water level reaching just three inches beneath floor level.
Several other businesses along Regent Street, Main Street and Lombard Street were affected and had to either improvise with elevated makeshift bridges to allow customers access, or remain closed.
Meanwhile, the entrance to the Accident and Emergency Unit (A&E) of the Georgetown Public Hospital, for hours, remained impassable unless

persons decided to take off their shoes and wade through the infected water.
In South Ruimveldt, the water on the road at the head of Aubrey Barker Road as well as lower parts of Festival City, particularly Festival City Entrance, was at an all-time high, and except for a few cars splashing through the water, the neighbourhood seemed deserted.

However, James Street, Albouystown, in the suburbs, seemed to have been hardest hit. The depth of water on the roadway in this neighbourhood stood at about 16” to 20”, and flat houses and bottom houses were inundated. Children obviously could not go to school, and while some looked out of their windows, others who nonchalantly risked contracting water-borne diseases had fun playing ball games in the filthy water that flooded the roadway.
While attempts to reach the local Hydrometeorological Service have been unsuccessful, the BBC weather report stated that the prevailing weather conditions will likely remain until Thursday.