WORK has commenced to install nine new pumps in flood-prone areas along the East Coast of Demerara, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has reported.
The minister stated that a team of Indian nationals is in the country to oversee the proper installation of the pumps that were purchased from the Indian Government.
Minister Mustapha has met with the team of engineers, who will be installing the new pumps in flood-prone areas along the coast. The team indicated that it will take a minimum of two weeks to install each pump, and installation will occur simultaneously with other stations.

The pumps, he said will be placed at strategic areas in Den Amstel, Hope, Mora Point and Rose Hall.
In addition, pumps will also be placed at Princess Street, Sussex Street and Cowan Street in Georgetown.

Following the heavy rainfall over the past few days, the minister stated that there is an urgent need for pumps across the country.
“We need these pumps installed urgently. You see the current weather conditions and how the rain and flooding affect the daily operations of our citizens. We are depending on you to work swiftly,” he said to the team from India.

Minister Mustapha added that he and a team from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) were working to have the new pumps installed ahead of this year’s rainy season to avoid flash-flooding and high water levels. However, with the travel restrictions and other COVID-19 protocols, there was a slight delay.
The minister highlighted that the installation of the new pumps comes as a timely intervention since heavy rainfall, flooding and high water levels pose a threat to the capacity of local pumps since the drainage system was built to take off two to two-and-a-half inches of water within 24 hours.

“Our drainage system is geared to take off just around two to two and a half inches of water within a 24-hour period. So, when you look at that high intensity of rainfall which is almost five inches, then you will see how much stress that will put on our drainage system.”

Nevertheless, engineers and senior personnel, the minister said, are monitoring the situation across the country, as heavy rainfall is expected to continue into January.
“We are working and we are deploying other mechanisms in place and desilting all the outfalls around the country, as well as putting in additional pumps,” he noted.