Wortmanville flood issues to be addressed soon

Georgetown, GINA, August 11, 2016

Wortmanville, Georgetown is set to receive assistance from government to eradicate the flooding situation in the area. On Wednesday, a team from the Ministries of Communities and Public Infrastructure, and the Mayor and City Council visited the area to conduct an assessment.

Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Community Coordinator, Neilson McKenzie speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), explained that from the assessment, the team was able to determine the type of interventions needed.

After inspections were completed, it was agreed that works will commence on August 13, 2016. The de-silting will take place from Princes to Hadfield streets and from Louisa Row to Vlissengen Road.

McKenzie pointed out that there are several factors that are contributing to flooding in the area. “One is high tide, but the second factor is the continual bad disposal of solid waste and other waste, plastic still around the place causing invariable blockages in areas we would rather not have blockages,” McKenzie explained.

Additionally, McKenzie cited that last year some works were done to de-silt the interlocking drains in the area. However, he explained that if such drains are cleaned and the main drains are not, then the situation will remain the same.

Sharon Austin, a resident of the Wortmanville area suggested to the Community Coordinator that youths from the area be employed to assist with the works on Saturday.”

Austin was assured by McKenzie that her suggestion would be taken into consideration. McKenzie stated, “what we try to do is look at how we can make the most meaningful intervention, that means to get all this water off the land as quickly as possible while at the same time ensuring we are able to employ as many people as possible.”

In addition, McKenzie noted that de-silting of drains and canals in low lying areas around Georgetown will be commencing soon.