– say could block river traffic when water level drops

REGION Seven residents have expressed concern over a partially sunken water dredge which lays lopsided along the Mazaruni River near Issano for almost a month now.The dredge, which is also commonly known as a “dragga,” has been stuck along the river in the vicinity of Piereemap Falls. The area is known to persons in the area as “the Rail” and it is located between the mining town of Bartica and Issano in the Lower Mazaruni.
Reports are that a month ago, the vessel, which is owned by a mining company on North Road in the capital city, was proceeding along the river when its base was struck by the rapids of the falls. The vessel was left hanging on its side and despite concerns expressed by passing passenger boats, such concerns fell on deaf ears.
According to a resident, the route is utilised almost daily by jet-boats which ferry passengers from the coastland to the Mazaruni communities via Bartica. Fuel boats operate along the route mainly to the mining operations in the Mazaruni. At the moment, boat operators are forced to operate with extra caution when approaching the area.
“Soon the jet-boats and fuel boat will cease operations to the Mazaruni communities if this ‘dragga’ is not removed”, Dwight, a resident of Isseneru, an Amerindian community in the Middle Mazaruni said on Saturday.
He said that based on the position the vessel is in it may be difficult to move it to a stable position. “The water is rough, but more effort needs to be made by the owner because this is a tragedy waiting to happen and which puts people’s lives at risk,” the man added. In addition, it was noted that the water level in the area is high at the moment and when the wet weather conditions change in the weeks ahead, a drop in the water level could result in the vessel eventually blocking the busy route.
It was noted too that there are several river dredges which are operating in the area and the companies have left several sandbanks along the route.
Late last year the government had ordered a river dredge to cease operations in Region Seven, amidst concerns from the Amerindian village of Isseneru.
According to the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, the action was taken after concerns and complaints from the Toshao and representatives of the village. The village had made complaints via the media that its water and food supplies, from the nearby river, were under threat.

(Alva Solomon)