– M&CC says most pumps operational, two blocked by debris

FOR the early part of Thursday, residents in certain parts of Georgetown had to battle floodwaters following heavy rains.

The flooding which was caused by torrential rainfall between Wednesday night and Thursday, did not last for long because of active pumps which drained the land quickly. Areas such as North and South Ruimveldt and some parts of Alberttown/Queenstown had to endure the moderate level of water for a bit longer than other persons.

Some persons said if it rained longer the water would have reached into their houses. According to a resident of North Ruimveldt, the flooding would usually be worse but things have changed over the last few years. Persons in the flood-affected areas complained that the drains were clogged by garbage which was dumped there by persons.

City Engineer, Colvern Venture also alluded to the blockage of drains which also caused two pumps to stop working. “The two pumps were down because of debris which got into the pump… the pumps are the Riverview pump and Princess Street pump,” said Venture during a press conference at City Hall on Thursday.

The city engineer said the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) was working to get the pumps removed, fixed and reinstalled before the end of Thursday. The other pumps were operational.

“Repairing pumps usually costs us millions of dollars so we would like to urge persons to desist from disposing of waste in waterways,” Venture lamented.

Despite the challenges, he said the council was able to take action to ensure that the water recedes quickly. Over the past month the council has been clearing drains in North Sophia and Kitty but intend to expand their work to ensure that waterways are cleared so that water could reach the outfalls faster.

In future, the council, he said intends on focusing on areas south of the city because those communities are severely affected by rainfall. The council will soon clear the North Ruimveldt Canal which has caused problems in the past. Venture said the council will employ persons from the community to weed the canal manually. The same approach will be taken to clear the Cane View Canal while M&CC workers will deal with the canal at the Avenue of the Republic. Drainage work is also expected to be done in Campbelville and Sophia.