HUNDREDS of displaced households along the Aruka and Koberimo rivers in Region One (Barima-Waini) have received emergency relief, as the government continues to strengthen its flood response.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who is also the parliamentary representative of the region, distributed hampers to residents during a two-day outreach in the Mabaruma sub-region.

Deputy Mayor of Mabaruma, Carolyn Robinson; Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley; Regional Executive Officer, Teka Bissessar and other officials, also accompanied the minister.

A total of 542 food supply hampers and 542 sanitation packages were distributed at Wanaki, Arauru, Sacred Heart, St. Dominic’s, Koberimo, Kinchee Creek, Aruka Mouth, Smith Creek,
Morawhana, and Imbotero.

Recent floods have resulted in a number of farmlands being inundated and halted mining operations, which residents are heavily dependent on. Through the government’s flood relief strategy, Minister Croal assured residents that continuous efforts will be put in place to restore their livelihoods, as part of a recovery phase.

The hamper distribution follows a thorough flood assessment executed by regional officials. The minister also complimented the local bodies for their timely interventions, which have led to water receding in Smith Creek and Kumaka.
The communities will continue to be monitored, as the heavy rainfall and high tides remain persistent. Regional health officials are also monitoring communities for water-borne illnesses. The residents were also urged by the minister to get vaccinated against COVID-19, even as Region One leads the vaccination rate in Guyana.