IN an effort to boost the infrastructural integrity of Fort Island, Essequibo River against erosion, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has embarked on sea defence works.

Head of the National Task Force Committee, Dr. Sewnauth Punalall, told the Guyana Chronicle that the ‘gabin mattress’ design is being used to build the sea defence following concerns of erosion reported by residents.

He explained that the ‘gabin mattress’ is the method in which a wire basket is made and filled with rocks and installed around the island.

Dr. Punalall told this newspaper that he made a follow-up visit to Fort Island and during an outreach he met with residents who expressed concerns about erosion. It is reported that a section of the island has washed away.

He related that he visited the area which once served as a pasture for cattle and saw first-hand the damage caused by the high tides and coincidentally, at the time of his visit, the region was doing some work on the island and a collaboration was established.

Dr. Punalall added that residents also spoke to him about the absence of potable water supply, the state of disrepair of the Transport and Harbours Department facilities and the need for the pathway which serves as the main road to be cleared of vegetation.

Noting that Fort Island is a tourist site, the pathway which was once useful years ago should be free of encumbrances since bird watchers and others use this pathway.

Dr. Punalall also heard the concerns by residents about the growing drug use on the island by mostly the youths.

Donation
During one of his visits to Fort Island, he also made a monetary donation to one of two students who was successful at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and was placed at Parika Secondary School.

The pupil Asha Kawapattie, 11, was presented with the money to assist in her studies.

Meanwhile, a few families were gifted hampers which consisted of a kerosene stove and groceries, all compliments of Dr. Punalall.