Min. Ferguson meets with Region Nine flood-affected residents

DPI, Guyana, Friday, July 6, 2018

As the Government works towards bringing relief to flood-affected residents of Region Nine (Upper Takatu/ Upper Essequibo), Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson has been visiting affected areas and meeting with residents.

Minister Ferguson has so far held discussions with affected persons and Village leaders of St Ignatius, advising them on the systems to be put in place during this trying time. They were also encouraged to cooperate with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) that is working with the government to lessen the effect of the situation.

According to Minister Ferguson, the water level is currently being monitored and her team is aiding the evacuation of persons from their homes. Hot meals and drinking water and other supplies are provided daily to the affected residents.

Areas that remain underwater are Tabatinga, Culvert City and St. Ignatius. Affected families are being housed at the Arapaima Primary School, Culvert City Nursery School and the Tabatinga Sports Complex.

Yesterday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon disclosed that a Regional Emergency Operation Centre has been activated in the Upper Takatu/ Upper Essequibo area to respond to flood situation.

“The Regional Emergency Operation Centre was activated today and recommended that five schools be suspended on July 5. This recommendation was made because some of the schools would have to be utilised as shelters and access to St Ignatius Primary School was inundated and challenging to traverse. The recommendation was brought to the attention of the minister of education who granted permission for the schools to be closed. The schools affected are St Ignatius Primary and St. Ignatius Secondary, Arapaima Primary, Arapaima Secondary, and Culvert City Nursery,” the minister said yesterday

A preliminary assessment conducted by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has identified aviation fuel to support emergency medical evacuations should that become necessary, in remote areas, water purification tablets, water storage containers, food and beddings for residents in shelters as emergency needs of the community.

By: Alexis Rodney

Images: Andrew Weekes (Ministry of Infrastructure)

 

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