Drainage works to commence in Newtown, Kitty shortly
Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Guyana, December 5, 2016 – The drainage and irrigation system of Newtown, Kitty is slated for major upgrades in the coming weeks thanks to a new project from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.
The project, which will see the repair and replacement of culverts in the area, is expected to commence next week and last for a period of five weeks. The first phase of the project will also involve the clearing and desilting of several drains throughout the Newtown area and the clearing of alleyways, where necessary. The first phase will cost $13.7M.
MPI’s Community Coordinator, Neilson McKenzie (with reflective vest), inspects the Lamaha Canal during a recent walkabout of Newtown, Kitty. The Lamaha Canal is one of several spots identified for major works in the coming weeks
According to MPI’s Community Coordinator, Neilson McKenzie, two culverts have already been identified for repair and/or replacement. The Lamaha Canal, which serves as the main drainage system for Georgetown, will receive particular attention, McKenzie said.
McKenzie further shared that it is entirely possible that more culverts will be identified as works begin and the extent of damage is ascertained.
He stressed that the first phase of the project will cover critical intervention to lend to the improved efficiency of drainage. “In living memory, no critical intervention has occurred in the Newtown area to alleviate drainage issues,” McKenzie said. He added that the area is one that is particularly susceptible to flooding and other drainage related issues.
The second phase of the project, scheduled for early 2017, will see rehabilitative road works being executed along D’Andrade Street to lend to improved drainage. Additional drainage works are also expected to be completed in phase 2.
The works have been contracted to R&B Investment.
Meanwhile, works are also hoped to be executed in drains close to the St. Winefride’s Secondary School to improve drainage and alleviate unsanitary conditions.
McKenzie shared that one expected hiccup will be gaining the cooperation of the area’s residents in accommodating the extensive works. However, he said, some residents have already indicated their willingness to cooperate, a welcome and promising sign.
Some of the streets that will benefit from this intervention include D’Andrade, D’Abreu, Lamaha, and Duncan.