–           Most inundated areas now ‘dry’ Agri. Minister says

FLOODWATERS accumulating across several communities in Linden, Region 10 was a direct result of failure to maintain drainage systems by the local Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has said.

“We have mobilized a number of machinery in Linden to help desilt some of the canals…Some of those drainage systems were the responsibility of the RDC and municipality,” the Agriculture Minister told reporters during a media briefing at his Georgetown office on Wednesday.

Mustapha revealed that just about four and a half inches of rainfall were recorded in the region and according to him, this was ‘unusual rainfall’.

However, improper maintenance of the drainage systems in the region saw water accumulating.

“As a result of their failure to clean those drains on time, they had that excessive water accumulated and people were flooded out. This brings us again to the issue where the local authority, the local body failed to maintain the system,” he added.

According to the Minister, the main canals in the area that is maintained by the National Drainage And Irrigation Authority (NDIA) were cleaned.

He noted further that most of the areas that were inundated are now ‘dry’.

In the interim, the minister urged residents to desist from disposing of garbage in drainage and irrigation systems and charged all local authorities and municipalities to continue maintenance of major drainage systems in their respective areas.

Last evening the ministry disclosed that a multi-agency response was activated.

This was an immediate response to flood reports in the region following heavy rainfall.

NDIA engaged private contractors to clean and clear the drains to facilitate better water flow and reduce flooding, the ministry said in a statement.

Additionally, Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) is providing crucial support with equipment to assist in the drainage and cleanup operations.

Further, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) will be establishing two shelters to provide temporary accommodation and essential supplies for displaced residents.