IDB express interest to offer assistance to flood affected hinterland regions

DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, July 27, 2017

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has expressed an interest in providing assistance to flood affected hinterland regions.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan told the National Assembly that Guyana and neighbouring Brazil have been in discussion “looking at the dimensions of the impact of the flooding” which recently affected Regions Eight and Nine.

Minister Bulkan was answering what relief measures were taken and compensation given to residents in these Regions by Opposition Member of Parliament Colin Croal.

The central government and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) mobilised immediately to offer relief in the form of humanitarian aid to residents who were affected during the flooding Minister Bulkan explained. This was also the same response for flooding in parts of Region Seven and Six he added.

The Minister of State had led intervention to Region Eight while the Prime Minister and Minister Bulkan led interventions in Region Nine at the height of the flooding.  Some 40 residents who were affected by the flooding in Region Nine were provided housing and food at an emergency centre that was set up in Lethem.

The Guyana Water Incorporated(GWI) had also mobilised efforts to provide potable water to the affected residents in the South Rupununi and other parts of Region Nine. These emergency response efforts had been put into operation through the setting up of water distribution access points at the Tabatinga and the New Culvert City Pump stations.

Minister Bulkan said that recovery efforts have also been ongoing following the receding of the floodwaters in these Regions. There is an ongoing assessment of the damages done that will help determine the level of assistance that the affected residents will require.

Minister Bulkan also explained that the government does not offer compensation during natural disasters but will render assistance once it has been determined the level of damage to houses, livestock and farmlands.

The government has provided cleaning and food supplies following the floods to the affected Regions. The Ministry of Agriculture has also indicated its willingness to assist farmers who suffered damages and or losses during the flooding to resuscitate their livelihoods.

 

By: Tiffny Rhodius