Uitvlugt Secondary reopened following flood
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, March 6, 2018
The Uitvlugt Secondary School reopened as the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) continues to aid the 400 plus families affected by recent spring tides on the West Coast Demerara. The institution was one of two temporary shelters used to house residents in the affected villages.
Initially, the shelters were established at the Uitvlugt Secondary School and the Uitvlugt Community Centre, however, while 41 persons stayed at the school only four were at the Centre. It was therefore decided that all the displaced persons will be housed at the Community Centre so that school can be reopened.
Director General (ag) of the Civil Defense Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester.
On Sunday, March 5, a team from the Ministry of Public Health and regional personnel fumigated the school compound and the institute resumed classes yesterday.
Director General (ag) of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig explained that the organisation has been working in close collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara district to aid the affected persons. Cleaning supplies have been donated to the communities of Uitvlugt, Stewartville and Leonora, however, sanitary supplies will also be distributed to Cornelia Idea and Anna Catherina tomorrow.
Craig noted that approximately 200 meals have been distributed daily at the shelter and “we ensure they are comfortable, have recreational activities, and are given three square meals”.
He expressed gratitude to the business community for their contributions and overall interest thus far. Among the businesses are the BK Group of Companies, Banks DIH Limited, Bakewell Bakery, Camex Restaurants Incorporated.
The Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force were also commended for their efforts to ensure the relief process ran smoothly.
Spring Tide overtopping section of the West Demerara Seawalls at Uitvlugt.
Craig explained that it was due in large part to the Regional Disaster Risk Management training project, that the regional body was able to manage the situation at hand. He did note that even though the Regional Administration were largely in charge of the relief operation; the CDC was still required to be on the ground providing support
“Experience was lacking in all of that, and experience comes from doing. …that’s why we took a decentralized approach to manage the isaster,” Craig explained.
The Regional Disaster Risk Management project has been completed in Regions One, Two, Three, Five and Six, while Regions Nine and Ten will be completed by mid-year.
The CDC is currently managing weather patterns as heavy rains and high tides cause flooding world-wide. Early warnings will be sent out if necessary.
By: Zanneel Williams