THE rains are here earlier than expected. By now with the adverse effects of climate change being felt across the globe, we must always be prepared for the unexpected.
The early rains will bring relief for some and fear for others. Farmers in particular will be happy as their crops which have been withering in the scorching heat for months now, will have renewed life.

However, it is the residents of many parts of Georgetown, especially flood-prone areas such as Alberttown, Queenstown and Albouystown, who will now have to spring into action to prevent unnecessary spending, discomfort and heartache.
For the next few days, the Hydromet Office has predicted occasional cloudy skies throughout Guyana and scattered showers over the country’s coastal area, while isolated thunderstorms are likely over inland areas.

While this may not cause bad flooding, it should serve as a warning to City Hall that they need to get their act together and execute cleaning works before the full-blown rainy season is upon us.

For too long, flooding has been aided by clogged drains and trenches. While the wanton disposal of garbage is not City Hall’s doing, clearing clogged drains with garbage, thick vegetation and silt is. Residents pay rates and taxes yearly, in part for this service, and it must be provided regularly and efficiently.
Earlier this month, President Dr. Irfaan Ali made impromptu visits to Kingston and Alberttown/Queenstown where he saw City Hall’s neglect for himself. He heard numerous complaints about the poor drainage and irrigation in those communities and saw firsthand the unsanitary state of drains and alleyways.
In an effort to allay concerns and bring relief to the suffering, the president assured residents that Central Government will not wait on City Hall; it will step in and implement relief measures immediately.

“I wish City Council could listen to you; right now, Central Government has to take all [of] the responsibilities from City Council,” President Ali said during his engagement with residents. However, this should not be.

What is the point of having a Mayor and City Council of Georgetown if Central Government has to continuously step forward and bail them out year after year, especially around the rainy season? We must all ask ourselves this question and give it some serious thought.

The Georgetown Mayor and City Council has an active Facebook page with thousands of followers. Yet, there is no post on its preparation for the rainy season. There are no warnings or advice on keeping one’s surroundings clean and clear to minimise flooding. Four posts were made this month: A visit to the Stabroek and Albouystown Markets, Mayor Mentor’s attendance at the African Trade and Investment Forum, a visit to the Orealla Avenue Playfield, which is currently under rehabilitation, and the ‘Quote of the week’.
Under a post made in late October about Mayor Mentore being among Caribbean mayors who were tasked with working together to advance climate change solutions, one person commented: “…this is good timing to take care of our drains in preparation for the rains and flood prevention.”

This is a clear indication that at least one city resident is concerned about the state of the city ahead of the rainy season. However, the page’s admin did not find it necessary to respond.
The sloppiness those at City Hall have been allowed to get away with must not be tolerated. Action ought to be taken against these officials forthwith. If it is not, we will soon be paddling down the streets of Georgetown in canoes. Heavy rain will come and we must all be prepared for the discomforts that will come with it.