– Says ‘Our neighbourhood is our responsibility’

Concerned over the severe flooding in several communities across the country due to the high level of rainfall, Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill has urged Guyanese to accept responsibility rather than shifting blame to authorities.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Edghill emphasised that while the government, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), is committed to ensuring effective drainage to prevent disruptions to daily life, the responsibility also lies with citizens to keep drains, trenches, and surroundings clean and litter-free.

“Our neighbourhood is our responsibility,” Minister Edghill stated. “We all see people dumping garbage in the drains and waterways around us. When the rain comes, where do we expect the water to go? How will it flow, and what do you expect will happen?

He pointed out that construction activities often contribute to blockages, with sand and bricks ending up in drains, exacerbating the flooding issue. Instead of acknowledging these causes, many people tend to blame the government for the resulting floods, he said.

Specifically addressing the flooding in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), Minister Edghill noted that many drains had not been cleaned recently, allowing plants to grow and obstruct water flow, which contributed to the flooding. He criticised local authorities for not proactively addressing these issues in anticipation of the rainy season.

“The municipalities, the NDCs, and in the case of Region 10, the Linden Mayor and Town Council, should have anticipated the May/June rains and ensured the drains were clear,” he said. “People need to understand that our neighbourhoods are our responsibility. If we see something wrong, we must speak up and act.”

In response to the rainy season, the Ministry of Public Works issued instructions for all contractors to remove previously erected dams to avoid interfering with drainage. Minister Edghill mentioned that engineers were sent to ensure compliance, and contractors who failed to remove their cofferdams will face penalties.

Regarding the flooding in Region 10, the government released a statement expressing concern and empathy for affected families. Technical teams have been dispatched to assess the situation and implement remedial interventions.

Collaboration between the Ministry of Public Works, the NDIA, local administrations, and a technical team from BOSAI has commenced a rapid assessment in Linden, with similar efforts underway in the Rupununi and other hinterland communities.
Two contractors have been engaged to clear blocked drains and facilitate quick runoff of floodwaters in Wismar and Mackenzie. Additionally, the Civil Defence Commission is preparing to establish two shelters in Linden.

The statement highlighted the heavy overnight rainfall in the region, with 170 millimetres recorded in West Watooka, 160.6 millimetres in Wismar, and 123.4 millimetres in Coomacka. Residents in low-lying areas are urged to take necessary precautions, and stakeholders are called upon to assist where possible.
“Leadership, maturity, and responsible behaviour should always prevail in all circumstances of disaster resulting from natural phenomena,” the statement concluded.