CHAIRMAN of the Guyana National Road Safety Council, Shahab Hack recently undertook an exercise to clear silt and weed which over time had built up along sections of the East Bank Demerara roadway, impeding proper drainage whenever it rains.Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Hack said that he had noticed on the shoulder of the roadway in several parts, sand, weed and other debris were settling, especially at pavements which have openings to drain water from the roadway into nearby drains.

According to him when the debris settle on the road shoulder it blocks those drainage channels causing the water to lodge. He explained that he had seen for himself what was happening and also received calls from persons concerning the blockage.
When the water lodges, vehicles would sometimes find themselves having to drive through the water and the sprays would wet pedestrians.
Hack recalled two occasions when he was driving and observed that persons, including school children, had to turn back and go home after being wet by the water that was sprayed on them.
Recently Hack and several other persons decided to visit one of the locations. They removed the silt and debris and cleared the drainage pipe.
He said that one of the things they found was that several of the drainage channels were clogged not only with silt and sand but plastic bags and Styrofoam materials which were carelessly discarded by irresponsible persons. (Leroy Smith)