RAINFALL, which began on Friday night continued throughout yesterday, causing extensive flooding in almost every Ward of Georgetown, and great discomfiture to residents at this critical time of year.

Some downtown city businesses had to remain closed amidst the emerging hectic Christmastime season, and shoppers visiting municipal markets had to make up their minds to wade through shin-deep water, or had to be served by vendors while standing on the roadside.

Apart from effectively decimating commercial activities, the flooding greatly reduced mobility and forced a multitude of citizens to employ precautionary measures to prevent being infected by water-borne diseases.

In some residential areas, house hold furniture, appliances and electronic gadgetry had to be stacked up wherever higher ground could be found or created, in an effort to prevent their being damaged by water from the implacable flooding that intruded homes.

A similar situation obtained at certain shops and grocery stores in sections of the outskirts of Georgetown, and in its various wards and communities.
Resigned

Flooding is something disgusted city residents seem resigned to confront every time there is a deluge.

Despite extensive works having been recently carried out at various channels and outfalls that drain the city, and in numerous drains in numerous communities, most areas of the city continue to experience this unwelcome phenomenon.

Ironically, remedial clearings and cleanings are undertaken after the rains would have already established a presence, thereby rendering the work mostly ineffective.

Yesterday’s flooding could have spelled grave disaster for residents, had the rain fallen in a volume similar to what obtained two weeks ago, when businesses and schools had to close their doors in remedial action. Following that experience, some works had been done in respect to drainage and irrigation of the city; and those works might have been responsible for mitigating what could have been a devastation yesterday.
Written By Leroy Smith