Further infrastructure works slated for Charity River dam

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will soon begin further rehabilitation works on the river dam at Charity, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two).

Minister, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall told DPI the initiative began in 2020 where the Ministry undertook emergency works which saw several upgrades to cap and resurface countless potholes alongside the embankment.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall

“Minister within Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Deodat Indar and I had a reconnaissance mission along the Charity River dam to inspect the areas and so this year we will be working to have some preliminary interventions done along with Charity,” the Minister added.

Such works, he said, is to ensure businesses can comfortably transport their goods at a lower cost. The road is one of the Region’s most important thoroughfares as it allows boats from various ports to offload goods, which Minister Dharamlall says helps both the regional and national economy.

Minister Dharamlall said the initiative is in keeping with the PPP/C Government’s commitment to transform the country’s economy.

To this end, the Ministry handed over additional resources to several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils to help them execute their infrastructure works.

Regional Executive Officer Mr. Devanand Ramdatt said he is happy for the intervention.

“We have been asking the Government for assistance to address this for some time now since our residents were being affected whenever there is a high tide which causes flooding. So, we are grateful that the Government was able to intervene to solve this,” he said.

Since 2015, the Charity River dam has been sinking despite all efforts to build and reinforce it. During high tides, the Pomeroon River would usually overtop the dam contributing to flooding in the area. This in turn threatens residents’ livelihood through the destruction their livestock and other valuables. In 2017, the then APNU+AFC government undertook temporary works on the Charity River dam to prevent the Pomeroon River from overflowing the sunken dam. In 2020, the works to address this issue began on January 21 and was to be completed by August 21 last. However, it was extended to December 31 last.

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