Cabinet emergency meeting discusses latest flood situation in light of rain
- Section of East Demerara Water Conservancy to be blown temporarily
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2005
A special meeting of the Cabinet was convened by President Bharrat Jagdeo at State House this morning following intense and continuous rainfall during the past 48 hours.
Information Liaison to the President Robert Persaud said Cabinet was informed that the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) water will be released through the Maduni sluice later today to relieve the pressure on its dam following the recommendations of both local and international engineers.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (ND&IA) Ravi Narine provided a report on the Conservancy and other important drainage structures.
Narine told Cabinet that the high water levels in the EDWC and the forecast of intense rain over the next few days leave no option but to blow the conservancy to avoid severe flooding on the coastland. The additional discomfort this will cause for Mahaica and Mahaicony communities was noted and there will be related interventions.
Cabinet also received reports from various Ministers who have been visiting the affected areas as well as the Head of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Col. Chabilall Ramsaroop (rtd). Several Ministers were over the weekend dispatched by the Head of State to several of the flood hit and vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, following Cabinet’s session, President Jagdeo assigned several Ministers to the most affected areas for the next three days given that the intense rainfall is expected to continue. The Ministers are dispatched in the following areas:
- Region Six – Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Harry Narine Nawbatt
- Mahaicony - Minister of Agriculture (ag) Fisheries, other Crops and Livestock Satyadeow Sawh
- Mahaica – Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford
- East Coast and East Bank Demerara and Georgetown – Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
- East Coast Demerara and Georgetown – Minister of Housing and Water Shaik Baksh and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Anthony Xavier
- Georgetown– Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manzoor Nadir
- Region Three - Minister of Home Affairs Gail Teixeira
- Essequibo Islands, Region Three - Minister in the Ministry of Human Service and Social Security Bibi Shadick.
- Region Two – Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee
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Contract signed for development of South Ruimveldt playground
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2005.
The contract for the development of the South Ruimveldt playground at a cost of $2M has been signed, paving the way for works to commence almost immediately.
President Bharrat Jagdeo made a promise to youths of South Ruimveldt during a visit to the community in October last to have the playground done.
Provision was made in the $55M Government allocated to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for the execution of drainage and irrigation works in preparation for the end of year rainy period.
Inking the contract on behalf of the M&CC, Deputy Mayor, Robert Williams said residents of the area identified the contractor to execute the project.
The project includes clearing, upgrading and fencing of the playfield and will be done by Anthony John Contracting Company.
Government has been funding a number of projects in the interest of youth development. This include a massive $350 National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment, launched in June 2005 by President Jagdeo and numerous President’s Youth Choice Initiative (PYCI) projects across the country.
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Minister Nokta visits Region Seven riverain areas – residents grateful for government’s assistance
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2006
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta, on January 13 visited three areas along the upper Mazaruni and lower Cuyuni Rivers, Region Seven where he met residents, who were grateful for the visit.
The Minister conducted meetings with community members of the Batavia, Kartabo and Itaballi communities and listened to their concerns.
At Batavia, Minister Nokta outlined some of the problems government has faced over the years. He noted that despite this, it is diligently making efforts to reach outlying communities, explaining that the administration is concerned about all Guyanese.
Residents of Batavia complained about not receiving potable water while the Head-teacher of the Batavia Primary School said the school is not benefiting from government’s school uniform programme. Minister Nokta assured her that he would look into the matter.
At Kartabo, Minister Nokta told residents that despite the many challenges faced by the administration in 2005, the year was a productive one.
Subsequently, the Minister handed over an outboard engine to the community and was later described by residents as ‘a man of his word’.
At Itaballi, Minister Nokta explained that the administration is serious about its intention to promote youth development. In this regard, he mentioned government’s billion dollar investment in the education sector.
Batavia, and Itaballi also each received an outboard engine from Minister Nokta and these will be used mainly for logging activities in the communities.
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Flood update
Georgetown , GINA, January 16, 2006
Farmers and residents in the Mahaica/Mahaicony communities are advised to take the necessary precautions as the D&I Authority has taken a decision to release water through the Maduni sluice. This unavoidable action is due to the threatening water level of the East Demerara Water Conservancy.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Ravi Naraine, today announced that though Government has implemented, as recommended by the task force engineers, both local and international, and has done all it could have done within a short period of time to ensure and enhance the flow of the conservancy water into the Demerara river, the above option has to be taken.
“Unfortunately at this point in time because of the rainfall we have experienced since November last year into January, it has overwhelmed the Conservancy discharge into the Demerara River. We have no other option now but to discharge water into the Maduni and we will be commencing that discharge later today.”
Naraine explained that as a result of excessive rainfall, especially in Regions Four and Five and in the hinterland areas adjoining these regions, the average level in the EDWC (the eastern section) towards the Mahaica River has increased. It was noted too, that more rainfall is expected over the next few days.
“The implication of that is though the Mahaica/Mahaicony is basically under flood now, it will increase some of the flood levels within the areas of the Mahaica/Mahaicony.
So, I am alerting farmers, I know that they are flooded and are experiencing a lot of hardship there, so try to understand that we need to discharge this water into the Maduni, especially to safeguard the East Coast and probably the Mahaica/Mahaicony because if we don’t do this, breaches may occur in the dam which we do not want to happen.
So I am appealing to the residents and the people of the Mahaica/Mahaicony to try to understand this decision that we have made which was based on technical information and advice that we got from the Task Force and this will also go a far way of ensuring that our embankment along the EDWC is safeguarded against any breach,” Naraine urged.
He noted that the closing of the Maduni sluice will be reviewed once the water level has dropped to about 58GD.
“It is unfortunate, but we need to make these decisions to safeguard the other areas, especially Region Four and the Mahaica/Mahaicony from further flooding which will be exacerbated by not opening the Maduni sluice, which may result in breaches in the Conservancy.”
The level recorded this morning is 58.55GD, and according to Naraine this (level) is quite high and would be threatening the embankment especially the section from Flagstaff to Nancy.
He added that works were completed especially the reactivation of the Cunha five-door-sluice and Kofi sluices last year January/February and that was implemented especially during the May-June rains 2005 and are currently operational.
Intense rainfall over the past few days has resulted in water level rising significantly in several areas.
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FLOOD UPDATE (2)
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2006 as at 16:15 hrs
Heavy rainfall experienced along the coastland over the weekend and early this morning has compounded the flooding situation in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six.
A National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) report for today indicated that all pumps and sluices are in operation.
Region Two
Pomeroon River
- Regional Chairman Region Two, Ali Baksh, has reported that the situation in the Pomeroon River is influenced by the tides as the water reduces when the tide is low but returns when it rises
- The Tapakuma Lake is overflowing into the Arapiako river which flows into the Pomeroon River
- There are reports of flooding in low-lying areas along the Essequibo Coast
- The Regional Chairman said there is overtopping of the conservancy
- There is overtopping along low areas of the main canal embankment
- All pumps and sluices are in operation
- Excess water from the main canal is being discharged at Uno Creek, Somerset and Berks
- There are seven teams working on the conservancy to heighten the embankment
- Rainfall continues to be intense
Region Three
Canal Number 1 & 2 Polders
- There is still flooding in both Canals
- Mechanical cleaning of the Canals in both Polders and other necessary drainage works are in progress
- All pumps and sluices are in operation
Region Five
Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary
- Flooding in Mahaicony Creek continues
- There are reports of flooding within De Hoop and the upper reaches of Mahaica
- The Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) is monitoring the situation in the Mahaicony Creek and is executing necessary works
- Revetment work at Perth/Biaboo, Mahaica Creek is almost complete
- All pumps and sluices are in operation
- Acting Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh and team is currently assessing the situation in the Mahaicony and Abary Creeks
- Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford is currently in the Mahaica area
Region Six
- There is report of flooding within Number 19 Village, Whim, Fyrish, Gibraltar and low areas along the Coast
- All sluices and pumps are in operation
- Additional pump installed at Joppa by the Regional administration is functional
- Regional Administration undertaking clearing of residential drains within Yakusari and Johanna
- Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Harry Narine Nawbatt, is in Region Six to assess the situation.
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Mashramani plans on stream
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2006
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Mash Secretariat is stepping up the pace and has begun implementing some of its Mash activities.
The Mashramani Jamboree is scheduled for Saturday, January 21, in Canje, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).
The Junior Calypso Competition will be held in Lethem, Region Nine, (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo) on Saturday, January 28, according to coordinator, Lennox Canterbury.
A number of other activities have already been initiated. On January 2, the rehearsals for the festival band started, while on January 9 the rehearsals for the calypsonians were held.
“We have already completed the auditions for the adult band competition and Mingles Sound Machine has been named the festival band… they have already started rehearsals,” Canterbury said.
The Mash committee will meet next week to continue to plan for other activities leading up to the main event, the costume and float parade on February 23.
Mash was launched on September 30, 2005 under the theme: ‘Showcasing a cultural mix in 2006’.
Forms for the various competitions can be uplifted at the Mash Secretariat, 91, Middle Street, South Cummingsburg.
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St. George’s schools to have access to Parade Ground
- President commits to students, teachers
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2006
President Bharrat Jagdeo today committed to expediting upgrading of an existing playground to ensure that students of the St. George’s Community High school and the St. George’s Nursery School have access to recreational space.
The President’s commitment came when he met students and a teacher briefly at the Inter-Religious Organisation peace march that ended in the vicinity of the school.
Several concerns were raised about conditions at the school and the President has undertaken to meet the Head Master and a teacher subsequently. At present, the school does not have a designated playfield and the Head of State told them of plans to develop the Parade ground in the vicinity of the Promenade Gardens, which will be made a priority in the 2006 Budget.
The school, he said, would have access to this playground and a walkway would be built along the route to ensure their safety to the playground, which is located a corner away from the school’s compound.
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President joins inter-religious peace march
President Bharrat Jagdeo joins the Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana at their Peace Rally in the City (OP/S.Prince photo)
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2006
Peace in Guyana, peace for the 2006 general elections and peace for the world at large were the calls of the Guyana Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) today as the organisation joined by civil society and the diplomatic community hosted a grand peace march in the City. Guyana for the past two elections has been plagued with post-elections violence spurred by political parties in many cases.
The march began at the Botanical Gardens and proceeded through Vlissengen Road, to North Road and ended in the vicinity of the St. George’s Cathedral.
Joining the march was Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo.
“I think it is an excellent initiative. I think if more Guyanese were to come out and stand up and let their views be heard. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy; we are going to have peace not just this year, but forever in this country. I am happy with the initiative and I want to thank and commend all those who organised it,’ the President said in an invited comment.
Co-Chair of the IRO Bishop Juan Edghill described the exercise as a peaceful and prophetic march that was intended for World day of Religion, observed yesterday. The Bishop expressed gratitude to those who participated, including the Head of State and the Canadian and British High Commissioners and the American Ambassador.
At the end of the march prayers were offered by religious leaders for the country and for peace.
Bishop Edghill said this is the first in a series of activities planned to promote peace in the country.
Secretary and Treasurer to the IRO, Roshan Khan explained that on February 1, the IRO will be inviting political parties contesting the 2006 elections to sign a peace pact “to renounce violence and make a commitment to sanction their operatives if they go in the direction of violence.”
Additionally, Bishop Edghill said that every Guyanese would also be called on to make a peace pledge that they would work for peace and desist from violence in the country, particularly at elections time. Persons taking the pledge would also be asked to wear a peace symbol.
The sport fraternity would also be involved in a torch exercise that would relay a similar message in various villages throughout the country, as well as in religious edifices.
Peace discussions would also be conducted via television and radio broadcasts.
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President participates in 2006 Budget Consultation
Budget Consultations! Government officials, led by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Finance Saisnarine Kowlessar holds budget talks with members of the Private Sector at the Office of the President.(OP/Sandra Prince photo)
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2006
Government in the spirit of dialogue and consultation met key stakeholders to discuss the economic framework for 2005 and plans for the 2006 Budget at the Office of the President today.
The Government team, which included President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Finance Saisnarine Kowlessar and his Budget team, first met representatives of the business community.
The Private Sector Commission, Guyana Manufacturers Association, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce are among the major stakeholders that represented the business community.
Budget Consultations! Government officials, led by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Finance Saisnarine Kowlessar holds budget talks with members of the Private Sector at the Office of the President.(OP/Sandra Prince photo)
The Government officials subsequently met the Guyana Trades Union Congress and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana, which represented the labour movement.
Minister Kowlessar had earlier indicated that these bodies will submit written and oral presentations, which will assist government in setting the framework for the 2006 Budget.
The discussions are part of annual interactive sessions hosted ahead of the Budget with various interest groups.
He said that even though all recommendations may not be reflected, the dialogue influence many of the plans.
Similar consultations are planned with other interest groups including consumer bodies.
Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing for the 2006 Budget presentation before the end of the month.
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HPS updates donors on flood situation
- Briefing for political parties in the pipeline
President Bharrat Jagdeo meets donors after the peace march in the city
(OP/Sandra Prince photo)
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2006
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon will later this afternoon brief the donor community on the flood situation and government’s interventions.
President Bharrat Jagdeo today told several members of the donor community who participated in a peace march in Georgetown about Dr. Luncheon’s briefing.
Dr. Luncheon was responsible for the committee that coordinated with the donors during the January 2005 flood. Head of the Civil Defence Commission Col. (rtd) Chabilall Ramsarup will also attend that meeting.
Additionally, a similar meeting is being organised with the political parties.
Meanwhile, President Jagdeo took the opportunity today to briefly enlighten the diplomatic community about the flood situation. He told them of the East Demerara Water Conservancy level being extremely high at 58.55 GD. The ideal level is 57.50GD. The Head of State told them of the blowing of the conservancy through the Maduni sluice to ease the pressure on the dam and thereby reduce the incidence of overtopping and risks of breaches. However, this will increase flooding in Mahaica. The blowing, he says, will cease once a safe level is achieved.
President Jagdeo explained that the work done on clearing the vegetation in the conservancy after the January 2005 flood helped the situation significantly and avoided severe flooding on the coast.
Through the task force on drainage, the conservancy was deepened via the removal of vegetation and the conservancy dam was strengthened, as well as heightened in various parts.
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No unusual health reports so far- Minister Ramsammy
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2006
Teams of health personnel are continuing to focus attention on residents of flood-affected areas and have reported no unusual cases of illness.
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said other teams are also on stand-by if the need arises.
Health teams are presently in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six, where the only reported cases thus far are skin rashes.
The Minister is urging citizens to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of flood-related diseases.
Health safety tips for flood-affected residents
- Use only bottled or treated water for drinking purposes
- Treat water for domestic use with bleach, including for bathing, brushing teeth and cooking
- For domestic uses, add ¼ teaspoon of bleach to one bucket of water, ½ teaspoon to 5 gallons of water or 1 cup to 400 gallons of water
- Seek emergency medical attention at the necessary hospital or health centre for vomitting and diarrhoea, cuts or puncture wounds immediately
- Keep out of the flood water (children must not swim or play in flood water). Avoid walking without shoes in the floodwater (stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to be elsewhere)
- Look out for centipedes, snakes and other poisonous pests seeking dry places
- As the water recedes, clean surroundings immediately with bleach, or other disinfectant
- When cleaning, use protective gear such as gloves and masks
- Sleep under a mosquito net
- Disconnect all electrical appliances, telephones and electrical points which can be affected by the excess water
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Staffers of the Office of the President took time off after a hard year’s work to relax at a get-together. The Office of the President’s party, which was originally billed for the Christmas season, was held on Saturday evening at the Police Officers Mess, Eve Leary.
Joining the staff was President Bharrat Jagdeo and other senior Government officials, including Ministers of Government. (OP/Sandra Prince photo)
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Government intensifies relief in Mahaica
- Minister Westford to return tomorrow
Minister of Public Works, Jennifer Westford, assesses flood situation in Mahaica, as Government interventions in flood-affected communities continues
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2005
Government has established a relief presence in Mahaica following the decision to release water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) through the Maduni sluice into the Mahaica Creek, thereby causing an increase in the level of flood water in both residential areas and farmlands.
Minister of Public Service, Jennifer Westford was today in Mahaica reassuring residents that government is trying its best to contain the flooding situation, since the release of water from the EDWC was unavoidable.
The Minister identified a few high grounds for farmers to transport their animals and made provisions for feed and other supplies.
There are about 3000 cattle in the area which are affected, and with the water expected to rise further, the need to move these animals will be more critical, the Minister noted.
Cash crop farmers in the Little Baiboo area have already lost some of their crops due to the incessant rainfall.
The residents requested that the dam across the Perth/Baiboo canal that drains water into the Mahaica River be removed.
In response, the Minister directed the Regional authorities to remove the dam. The engineer who was on site agreed to do so tomorrow.
This dam was constructed following lobbying efforts by rice farmers in the Mahaica River to prevent the excess flow of water into their lands as a result of the recent heavy rainfall.
While there the Minister explored measures to provide transportation for students as this may become difficult with continuing rainfall and increased water levels.
Residents confirmed that the level of water in the Mahaica Creek has been rising over the past few days as a result of heavy rainfall and has risen even more today.
Some farmers in the area suggested that there be more outlets established to drain water out of the EDWC.
Regional Chairman of Region Five, Harrinarine Baldeo who accompanied the minister indicated that there are longer-term plans to protect residents and farmers in the Little Baiboo area.
Minister Westford said that the release of water from the Maduni sluice will cease once the rainfall eases and the water in the EDWC drops to a controllable level.
There are also efforts to put measures in place to deal with concerns that will rise as the water takes time to exit the area when the sluice is closed.
Residents and farmers in the area were urged to mobilise resources to provide support for themselves with regard to taking care of their animals and reducing losses. To this end, Minister Westford committed to the service of some Guyana Defence Force (GDF) personnel to help in the area of construction of rafts using indigenous materials.
Following heavy flooding in the Mahaica/Mahaicony area in December, government provided pecuniary relief to rice, cash crop and livestock farmers based on an assessment conducted. This year, $50,000 was granted to cash crop and livestock farmers while every rice farmer that is affected would be granted $10,000 per acres up to a maximum of 20 acres.
A special meeting of Cabinet was convened by President Bharrat Jagdeo at State House this morning following intense and continuous rainfall during the past 48 hours. After this meeting several Ministers were assigned to the most affected areas for the next three days, given that the intense rainfall is expected to continue
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New convention centre to be handed over to gvernment shortly
- Bilateral relations between Guyana and China fruitful
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2006
Guyana will soon boast a new state-of-the-art US$5M conference support facility for meetings hosted by the Government of Guyana, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, as well as local, regional and international organisations.
At the recent exchange of notes on the amendment to the composition of the Chinese Medical Brigade between Minister of Foreign Tade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee, and China’s Ambassador to Guyana, H.E Shen Quing, a ultiplicity of areas of cooperation were highlighted.
“In the next few weeks the government of China will hand over the Guyana International Convention Centre (GICC) to the government and people of Guyana. This will be preceded by a meeting of the oversight committee which will finalise the preparations for the handing-over ceremony,” Minister Rohee said.
The Minister is hopeful that the ceremony will take place before the end of January.
The Convention Centre at Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara will comprise a 375-seat conference hall and five smaller conference halls, with room for exhibitions, training, dining and other functions.
The construction contract for the Conference Centre was signed on April 28, 2004 by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, Kenneth Jordan and Mr. Zhao Zhongning, General Manager of the Foreign Aid Section of China’s Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
He highlighted the current seven-man team of Chinese experts from the Changjiang Ships Designs Institute and China’s Ministry of Commerce in Guyana making evaluations to establish a ferry service for riverain communities.
Minister Rohee also disclosed that in the first quarter of 2006 the Chinese will hand over Sanata Textiles to the Government of Guyana.
“Presently there is a joint evaluation team between China and Guyana undertaking an evaluation of the property, and at the end of that, the property will be handed over.”
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations some three decades ago, Guyana and China have enjoyed excellent and productive relations, with Guyana benefiting extensively from the Technical Cooperation for Developing Countries programme, medical brigades, cooperation programmes, notably those between CCTV of China and National Communications Network (NCN) and the services of a mushroom cultivation expert, among other expertise and programmes.
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Government and City Hall hold exchange on flood situation
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2006
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir today met with officials of the City Council to examine and review drainage systems in an around the City.
“I have visited several areas today in the City and I must say that there was no significant flooding. However, there are some areas such as Bel Air Park and Sophia where the water is draining off slowly,” Minister Nadir said.
It was decided by Cabinet to have Minister Nadir follow up with City Hall officials to ensure that all drainage structures are functioning.
At the meeting, officials reported on the status of drainage structures in the City. However, according to the Minister there are some outfalls that need attention, naming the Ruimveldt outfall. A commitment was made by the Council to rectify the situation.
“The Council will also look at the interlocking drains where several culverts are in need of repairs,” Minister Nadir added.
City Hall has also developed an internal communication network, where contact can be made immediately with pump stations in the event of an emergency arising.
Additionally, residents can make contact with City Hall or Central Government if there are any problems.
Last year, government allocated $50M to City Hall to prepare for the rainy season. The main focus of the preparation exercise was drainage.
The local drainage system is designed to take off 1.5 inches of rain in 24 hours. However, during the last flood, the coastland witnessed as much as 10 inches in a single night.
In this context, $30M was allocated for the 100 culverts, $10M for outfalls, $5M for kokers, $3M for repairs to the Kitty and Liliendaal pumps and $3.3M for workers’ tools and upgrading of community playgrounds.
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