DPI, Guyana
A flood crisis was averted by timely actions taken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure following a breach to a section of the earthen embankment during spring tide at Providence. This was revealed by Krest Cummings, Public Relations officer attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.
Cummings relayed that action was taken by the Sea and River Defence Department within the ministry. “The breach was successfully sealed on February 21, before the next spring tide.”
Spring tides result in higher tides and lower than average low tides. Luckily, nearby residents were spared flooding. “Residents in the proximity of the breach were not affected”, Cummings noted.
In addition, Cummings relayed that “currently works which entail the incorporation of timber revetment to fortify and stabilise the vulnerable sections [of the embankment] are ongoing”. This is being executed as part of the $39Billion allocated to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure under Budget 2019. It provides for the completion of Sea and River Defence Works and rehabilitation and construction of sea defences.
“The Sea and River Defence [workers] are currently carrying out a condition assessment of the river defence along the East Bank of Demerara to prevent reoccurrence of such situation.” the PRO stated.
However, in its caution to persons living along the vulnerable coastline, Cummings emphasised the ministry’s position that residents must, “desist from the removal of natural mangrove and refrain from squatting along the river defence and or reserves.”
Shaquille Bourne
Image: Ministry of Public Infrastructure
PHOTO CAPTION
IMG-20190305-WA0018, IMG-20190305-WA0020 – Sea and River Defence Department working to seal the breach at Providence, East Bank Demerara
