Dear Editor,
I WILL start off by saying, let the naysayers continue their negative works, but in Region Five, positive things are happening that had never happened for years under the PPP government. This is shocking to some, as they talk negatively about the region on digital, print and social media. Those negative people won’t stop the positive works happening in Region Five and Guyana at large.

Over the past weeks, we saw unexpected rainfall in Region Five and I can safely say across Guyana at large.Areas that are low have been severely affected and flooded in Region Five. Since the heavy rainfall is the act of God, we must be prepared to safeguard our residents and their livelihoods. And in Region Five, measures are being put in place to bring ease to the residents.
Over the past weeks, the regional administration has been working hand in hand with the Ministry of Agriculture, the NDIA, MMA\ADA and residents to bring much relief to the flood- affected areas. Areas that were affected saw much-needed relief as measures are being put in place across the region by the various agencies.

The reason for the water to be on the land for a while is because when the tide is high, the koker doors have to be locked. During this time, the waters from the backlands get into the residential drains and the main drainage canals, causing a rise in the water level. But as soon as the tides drop and the koker doors are opened, the water gets off the land in less than 45 minutes in some areas. There are several self-locking doors and drainage tubes for protection of the various villages across Region Five.

Over the past month, myself, the REO and regional engineer have been visiting various villages in the region to look at the situation and to see how the administration could help as much as possible, so as to bring relief to the discomforted residents which were caused by the heavy rainfall.
At Trafalgar, there are five drainage pumps working when the tide is high and when the tide is low, the doors of the sluice go into full swing. Also, new doors are being put on a structure at the said area that will help to bring much relief to the residents of Region Five. At Bush Lot Village, the NDIA has installed a drainage pump, however, the regional administration has also hired another pump that will help to drain the water at a faster rate. In the Trafalgar area, there is a NDIA pump up and running. NDIA has also installed a pump at District 10, Mahaica Creek. All the pumps have been working 24\7 so that the water can quickly get off the lands.

The sluices in Ithaca, Blairmont, Rosignol and D’Edward villages are also working when there is low tide. This helps to drain those areas quickly. There are also several self-locking kokers or tubes with self-locking doors functioning within those areas.
The regional administration over the past month has undertaken to clean several major drainage canals within the region. Some are being done manually, while long-boom excavators are being used in some areas. The major canal works being undertaken by the RDC are located in Ithaca, Fort Wellington, Hopetown, Bush Lot, Litchfield, Vey Vey, Mahaica and Mahaica New Rd.

A massive clean-up work and re-dredging of drainage canals were also done at the Mahaica Old Road that leads to the old bridge. This area was not cleaned for several years under the PPP. It was an eye sore for commuters who would usually use that route on a daily basis. Today under the APNU+AFC administration, that area was restored to its beauty or can I say better restord and was done to the satisfaction of the residents.
The regional administration has also embarked on clearing several small drainage trenches within the areas of Rosignol to No.5 villages, No.8 to Bath Settlement, Golden Grove to Belladrum, Mahaicony and Mahaica.

Over the past weeks, we have been on the ground, be it day or night, sun or rain working to ensure that much-needed help and relief come to the residents of the affected areas within the region. This seems to get some upset within the PPP.
But while we are trying to bring much-needed help to the people of Region Five, there are some within the region who are seeking political mileage by spreading false information about the situation and what causes the flood. The regional chairman took television and print media to some of the areas that are affected and talked about the silting up of some of the internal drains within the villages.

Well, I must let the chairman know that the NDC and the CIIP workers are responsible for getting some of the internal village drains cleaned. But several of the NDCs are controlled by the PPP and the CIIP workers have been failing to do what they have to do within those NDCs. Those PPP NDCs don’t care about the residents, so instead of trying to show that you, Mr. Chairman, is doing something positive for the region, you should go to those NDCs and visit the areas that they control and see what they are doing to hamper development.
This is how you can contribute to the development of the region, rather than to seek poor political mileage during a situation that residents are affected by, which was the main cause of heavy rainfall.

I must compliment the REO and regional engineer for devoting their time and ensure that they are there for the people after working hours and also on weekends. I must compliment the administration for the steps they have taken in ensuring that the main drainage canals are being cleaned. I must compliment the REO and team for a work well done on the Mahaica Old and New roads.

Let us continue the positive works and partnerships for the people in Region Five and allow the PPP to be more annoyed because for 23 years they did nothing to better the situation in Region Five and Guyana at large.
By working like this and for all the people, it truly shows that the APNU+AFC administration is for all, no matter race, religion, politics, etc. In this way Mr. REO and team, we know that there is a Better Life For All under this APNU+AFC Government.

Regards
Abel Seetaram