The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) yesterday deployed one of its excavators as part of an emergency response to a breach at Strathspey, East Coast Demerara.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, the breached drainage reservoir stores water when the sluice is closed. The water that is stored is the result of a mechanically driven pump which is then discharged through gravity drainage at low tide.
The Guyana Sugar Corporation has the major responsibility for drainage in the Strathspey area; however, the NDIA complements its efforts so as to avert any real danger that may be posed there and to surrounding communities.
The deployed excavator will aid in sealing the breach. According to the release, the Ministry of Agriculture through its agency, the NDIA is warning against persons interfering with the drainage structure, noting that it is illegal to do so.
Meanwhile, a visit by Stabroek News to certain sections of the East Coast yesterday saw rising water levels. Though this did not pose any definite threat to communities, the koker located at Ogle is in desperate need of repairs. Sand bags were placed at its base to soak up any potential spillover from the ocean.
