…as cleaning hampers distributed to flood-affected persons
The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry will soon be conducting a comprehensive overhaul of the drainage and other related infrastructure in Albouystown, Georgetown, following Saturday’s flash floods in the community.
A 24-hour intense rainfall from Friday saw several sections across Georgetown inundated all day Saturday into the night. By Sunday morning, however, the water had receded in nearly all the flood-affected – something which President Dr Irfaan Ali says was due to the interventions of the Central Government to improve drainage in the capital city
“Through the clearing of internal drains, the installation of pumps, and the desilting of outfall channels, floodwaters receded quickly,” the Head of State noted in a Facebook post on Sunday. “What remains a major problem, however, is an incompetent City Council that has failed at the most basic responsibilities, including keeping drains clear and ensuring proper garbage collection — failures that were once again exposed by the flooding.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand even as she committed to enhancing the city’s drainage and irrigation systems.
During a visit to Albouystown on Sunday, Minister Manickchand announced that her ministry will be returning to the community after the upcoming Easter holiday to host a community meeting focused on “the comprehensive overhaul and improvement of the area’s drainage and related infrastructure.”
It was noted that this engagement will allow for more structured dialogue with residents, community leaders, and technical teams to collaboratively identify practical and sustainable solutions.
Nevertheless, during Sunday’s visit, the Local Government and Regional Development pointed to the clogged drains filled with litter and construction over key drainage systems that compounded the flooding in the area.
“We got to have some order… We all have to be a little disciplined in how we dispose of our garbage…and how we build… So as citizens, we have to be more responsible than we were before, and a central government, we’re going to have to step in to make sure that this doesn’t continue, because we cannot leave people to live in these environments,” Manickchand stated.
Not dependable
But even as she committed to fixing the community’s drainage system, the minister said while central government does not want to absorb functions of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), they are forced to do so.
“City Council is supposed to be cleaning these dreams, picking up garbage, and the problem is, when they clean the garbage, when they don’t pick up the garbage, then it ends up in in our waterways and our drainage places. And so, you know, it’s clear that we won’t be able to depend on them,” Manickchand stated.
She also used to opportunity to called out persons, including some Opposition Members of Parliaments, over what she describes as a deliberate effort to shield the City Hall from taking responsibility for its negligence.
Nevertheless, the Local Government and Regional Development Minister’s visit to Albouystown was in keeping with a commitment made the previous day, when she threaded the flood waters to assess the situation and engaged affected residents.
On her return on Sunday, Manickchand did a walk-through in several sections of Albouystown to observe firsthand the aftermath of the floods and the challenges being faced by residents.
She engaged with householders, listened to their concerns, and gathered feedback on the impact of the persistent water accumulation on their daily lives, livelihoods, and overall well-being.
The residents highlighted a number of issues, including inadequate drainage, blocked canals, and the need for more consistent maintenance of existing systems. In response, the Minister assured those present that their concerns are being taken seriously and will inform the Ministry’s ongoing and future interventions in the area such as the proposed overhaul works.
It was noted that the upcoming planned meeting forms part of a broader effort by the Ministry to ensure that interventions are not only responsive but also inclusive, giving residents a voice in the development and implementation of works that directly affect their communities.
The ministry, in a statement, reiterate its commitment to improving drainage systems and reducing the impact of flooding across vulnerable communities, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
“[Sunday’s] visit underscores the importance of continuous monitoring, direct engagement, and decisive action in addressing longstanding infrastructural challenges. Minister Manickchand reaffirmed that the Government will continue to work alongside residents to bring meaningful and lasting improvements to Albouystown, ensuring safer and more resilient living conditions for all,” the ministry stated.
Cleaning hampers
Meanwhile, Manickchand’s visit to Albouystown on Sunday coincides with the distribution of cleaning supplies to flood-affected residents by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
The minister along with the CDC distributed dozens of cleaning hampers to residents in La Pentience and Albouystown.
Additionally, the Commission also handed over another 300 hampers to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to aim in its ongoing relief and recovery efforts in communities that were affected by the torrential rainfall over the weekend.
According to the CDC, this initiative aims to assist affected households with essential supplies needed to begin cleaning and sanitising their homes after the floodwaters have receded. The hampers included items such as disinfectants, cleaning agents, and other basic sanitation materials to reduce health risks and support safe recovery.
Nevertheless, the CDC emphasises its continued commitment to providing timely assistance to communities impacted by natural disasters and encourages residents to take necessary precautions during the cleanup process. The Commission said it continues to assess the situation in affected areas and will provide additional support where necessary as recovery efforts progress across the country.
Flood affected persons can reach out to the Civil Defence Commission on 600 7500 and 226 1117/2261114.
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