TOOLSIE Persaud Quarry Inc and the Sea and River Defence Department (SRDD) of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure are currently working to seal a critical breach of some 800 metres that occurred at approximately 19:00hrs in a section of sea defence at Bush Lot/Maida Farm, Corentyne on Christmas Eve Day.SRDD began mobilising equipment and workers on Christmas Day to conduct temporary works to secure the breached area. Additionally, drainage works, including the clearing of channels, will be done to create some diversion for the inundation.

The Ministry, in an advisory, noted that permanent works are currently being conducted on the breach by Toolsie Persaud Quarry Inc., which was awarded the contract in September. Though work has begun, there is a section spanning 100 feet that is still to be addressed.

The SRDD is also currently determining the extent of the effect of the breach on residents and existing structures. The breach occurred during the spring tide, which will be experienced until Tuesday. The predicted tide indicates above normal sea levels for this period.

Meanwhile, authorities last September mobilized machinery and materials to seal a rapidly developing breach of the sea defence at Belladrum, West Coast Berbice. Goutam Singh Khan construction firm of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara was contracted to carry out the works necessary, under supervision of Mr. Roberto Narine, District Engineer, Region Five.

Residents, especially farmers, had become alarmed after seeing water flowing over the sea defence dam. There was also significant erosion caused by wave action at the point where works previously done seemed to have ended abruptly. The seawater had created a channel by washing away the earth at the point where the boulders, riprap system, met the earthen embankment.

Left unattended, salt water could have reached farmlands throughout the entire West Berbice via the network of canals of the massive MMA/ADA drainage and irrigation scheme, thereby affecting the livelihood of thousands of people.

The Ministry is advising persons residing along the banks of rivers and low-lying coastal areas to take all necessary precautions against possible flooding.

Precaution should also be taken by all mariners, including those operating fishing vessels and larger vessels. Use of beaches and foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advised.