residents applaud sea defence works, community improvements

WITH the Ministry of Public Works investing heavily in enhancing sea and river defences, the residents of Region Two are hopeful for increased protection against erosion and flooding.
During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting citizens and their properties from flooding and other disruptive elements that could impact their daily routines.

Minister Edghill said, “Our mission is to raise awareness on the importance of preserving vital rivers and sea defences, while considering the dangers posed by rising sea levels, coastal vulnerabilities, and catastrophic flooding to Guyanese and their livelihoods.”

Furthermore, during the 82nd meeting of the National Assembly, he highlighted Guyana’s vulnerability to climate change. He stressed the crucial importance of efficient governance and administration to ensure integrated and sustainable flood management.

He stated that there will be multiple important enhancements to the Sea and River Defence Bill, which was approved as is. He added that the local Sea and River Defence Board and the government will gain more authority through the implementation of a flood-control system and enhanced management of sea and river defences.

“I must say that the bill also includes a definitional adjustment to “sea and river defences” to cover natural defences like [sic] mangroves. And any offences affecting river and marine defence systems will face harsher penalties under the new law.

“Like every other development that is happening in this country, we are first and foremost thinking about our people and their well-being, their development, and their overall betterment. Because we live below sea levels on the low coastal plain in Guyana, we must take precautions to fortify our river and sea defences, and as a government, that is what we are doing,” Minister Edghill explained.

Several community residents expressed their gratitude to the government, stating, “We appreciate that he hasn’t forgotten about us.” They shared similar sentiments with President Ali and his administration, thanking them for making safety a top priority.

Andy, a taxi driver from the same community, expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing work on the sea defence. Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the newly asphalted streets in the community.

Andy noted, “I think that I can speak for all the residents of Abram Zuil when I say that we are thankful for the developments that were done (asphalted streets) and the present works that are being done to prevent us from getting floods. A long time ago, that beach was our recreational area; people from all over would frequent it and we would have sports and other recreational activities there. Sadly, a majority of the trees were uprooted and the sand started to wash away, so the government must be credited for not only protecting us from flooding but, in a sense, for protecting and safeguarding a piece of our history, in Abram Zuil.”

Andy hopes that the beauty of Abram Zuil Beach can be restored after the sea defence project is finished, so that future generations can create memories and have similar experiences as him and his peers.

Moreover, Taren John, another resident of Abram Zuil, expressed her excitement regarding the noticeable advancements in Guyana, particularly in her county and now her village. “Me, my husband, and my three children used to enjoy going to the beach on the weekends, but for some time we stopped because the ocean washed in closer to our home.

“The ocean has taken in a lot of land, and it’s scary, especially at night, and more so when it is high tide. It feels like the water is going to come into our house, but this is what the government is doing here, which is very nice. This development will not only keep us safe, but it also looks beautiful,” Taren related.

Despite the weather being unpredictable, Imran Bacchus from IB Contracting has given assurances that the project at Abram Zuil will be finished by the end of June.