…NDIA said to be monitoring pumps, sluices
Kaieteur News – With sections of Georgetown knee-deep waters as result of heavy rains, the Ministry of Agriculture said that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has stepped up its monitoring of all pumps and sluices in the city. In a Press Release Tuesday evening the Ministry said following approximately four inches of rainfall recorded today and the anticipated high-intensity rainfall in the coming days.
(SEE THE VIDEO AT THE END OF THIS ARTICLE)
A team from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), led by Zulfikar Mustapha inspected drainage pumps and sluices in the city with the view of making any necessary interventions to avoid any flooding as a result of anticipated rainfall. The NDIA assigned three engineers to the City who will monitor on a 24-hour basis to ensure all pumps and sluices are operable and open on time to minimise any possible flooding in Georgetown and its environs.
Further, the NDIA informs residents of Georgetown that the Princess Street pump is now inoperable after it came into contact with a piece of wood. The NDIA is in the process of extracting the pump to effect repairs and will work around the clock to ensure that it becomes operable in the shortest possible time. This, however, could have a severe impact on the effectiveness with which water is drained from the land, particularly in light of anticipated high-intensity rainfall in the coming days.
The NDIA is therefore urging citizens to desist from wantonly dumping garbage and other refuse in waterways and in the vicinity of pumps. This act could have catastrophic consequences for communities. Only a few days ago, His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali posted images on his Facebook of large amounts of debris, including metals, vehicle tyres, plastic barrels and other trash removed from the Kitty Pump Station during the recent national clean-up exercise. As a matter of fact, some 38 tyres were removed.
These irresponsible acts will continue to have severe negative impacts on flood management in communities and we, therefore, urge residents to be responsible when disposing of garbage.
We urge citizens to continue to exercise precaution during this period and to report any flooding or possible flooding to the NDIA.
VIDEO: Flooding in Georgetown. Guyana.
Comments
Thanks for sharing this information and video; I found it most enlightening. The drivers appear to be disciplined and courteous as I heard a car horn only once, even during such a heavy downpour. I also noted the recorder to be very positive for the return of the Christmas festivities and merriment once the pandemic is over and life returns to normal. Good stuff!
Might be a good time to count the drains in the streets, probably….zero!!! already covered the “natural” drainage with big square chinese concrete buildings…enjoy..
Excellent update and Videos ….
Thanks for sharing . it was very interesting seeing what Georgetown looks like even in the rain. i was most impressed with the seemingly calm way in which drivers were progressing. no one sitting on their horn