Flood water receding in Region Five – Mahaicony River remains high
Georgetown, GINA, June 14, 2016
Water continues to drain off the land in the affected communities of Region Five. Pumps installed by the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) and the National Drainage Irrigation Authority (NDIA) have been working around the clock.
Several tractor and hydraulic pumps have also been installed to drain the affected communities while excavators are working to clear the main drainage and irrigation canals.
One of Four tractor pumps at Trafalgar
The most affected areas were communities between Trafalgar/Union, Golden Grove and Lovely Lass. Bush lot and Blairmont, West Coast Berbice were also affected. Regional Chairman, Region Five, Vickchand Ramphal told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that flood water is receding in those areas. Water in the indigenous community of Moraikobai water is also receding.
However, the six communities along the Mahaicony River are still affected as the Mahaicony River remains high.
Commenting on reports on non-functioning pumps at Mahaicony to the drain the affected riverine communities, General Manager of the MMA/ADA Aubrey Charles stated that the pumps are working. There was a delay in getting fuel to the pumps but, the fuel arrived yesterday and the pumps are working.
Drainage Canal at Bushlot
“Because of the state of the road to go into Mora Point and Pine Ground, transporting fuel to the pumps is difficult so, the fuel has to come here to Onverwagt then be transported to these areas by boat and that takes some time,” Charles explained.
Charles indicated that the MMA/ADA is working closely with the Regional Administration and other stakeholders to determine possible ways to bring relief to those affected farmers and residents in Mahaicony Creek.
The MMA General Manager confirmed that water is significantly receding from the land in other communities which were affected. Heavy rainfall and the high tides have been the reason for flooding in some Region Five communities.
GINA will continue to provide updates on this issue.
Mechanical pump working at Bushlot