– residents concerned about water-borne illnesses

By Indrawattie Natram

HEAVY rainfall during the last few days, coupled with poor drainage has resulted in flooding in several parts of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and regional authorities are currently working feverishly to bring relief to residents.

The main canal in the Lima Conservancy remains full, and this build-up of water is flowing into nearby areas. While the rain is hampering efforts, 10 pumps have been put into operation to assist is draining the water from the land.

Areas such as Dredge Creek, in the Lower Pomeroon; Lima; Walton Hall; Richmond; and Lima Sands are currently flooded. The floodwater has inundated lower flats, poultry pens, and kitchen gardens.
The Guyana Chronicle reported in its Monday edition that Charity has been experiencing severe flooding since Boxing Day. The Xenon Hotel, the market, and the housing scheme have been most affected. There wasn’t much change to the situation on Monday, as the more recent heavy rains ensured that yards and bottom flats remain flooded.

Residents living at Richmond said the high level of water came on New Year’s Day. The water flooded their kitchen gardens, and hundreds of acres of rice fields in that area. Several housewives told this newspaper on Monday that on the first day of the year, they were busily moving kitchen utensils, electrical appliances, dining sets and other valuables to higher grounds.

According to them, the area has poor drainage, and they used the opportunity to call on the local authorities to investigate and put corrective measures in place.

Lima Sands residents related that their community has been under water for four days. The water currently gushing into their yards is mainly from the swollen conservancy. Many of the residents are concerned about their health.

“The raining is continuous, and the water just remains on the land. There are children playing in the water, and this can cause them to get sick, because some people have latrine toilets,” Shyam Lall, a resident of Lima Sands, related. A similar concern was shared by other residents of Lima, and several from the other affected communities.

Meanwhile, Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Odit confirmed that the region is experiencing flash-flooding.
Odit said that he and a team comprising of engineers and overseers visited several of the affected areas to assess the situation. He explained that the water level at the main canal at Lima is constantly rising due to the heavy rainfall.

Ten pumps were put into operation in areas such as Charity, Taymonth Manor, Lima, Anna Regina, La Union, Devonshire Castle, Windsor Castle, Capoey, Hampton Court, and Three Friends.

Additionally, several sluices are also pumping water off the land.
A team from the regional administration and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is currently monitoring the situation.