Floodwaters in Region 3 persist owing to deplorable canals, clogged drains

On Wednesday morning, several sections of Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara) were covered by floodwaters as high as two feet following hours of heavy rainfall.A section of Wakenaam Island, Essequibo River covered by flood water [Photo by: RDC Region 3]Farm Village affected by floodingAlong with the heavy downpour, the Regional Chair, Julius Faerber, explained that the flooding was as a result of the deplorable canals and clogged drains in the inundated parts.Guyana Times was told that communities such as Farm Village and Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo were affected. But, the Chair additionally said he was informed of water covering the lands in Tuschen, as well as Canal Number One and Two.These villages, he said, are low and usually affected when it rains excessively.“I know the Number Two Canal is in a deplorable state, which contributes dearly to the flood that we get in both Canals One and Two. The contractor that we have there is very incompetent. He is not able to clean the canals in time and that creates a backup of water which causes flooding,” Faerber said.In addition, the Chairman complained that the regional administration has not been conducting drainage works in all of the areas, leaving more room for flood waters to invade. He explained that the Region owns six mini excavators; however, the contractors would choose the areas they prefer to work, “so the drains are very much clogged up and that contributes to the water not coming off the land as it should,” the Chair complained.Moreover, it was noted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is not doing anything to help in this regard. He noted that the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is cash-strapped and unable to provide any assistance because of low collection of rates and taxes.