The functions of the Sea and River Defence Unit (SRDU) of the Public Works Ministry have been boosted following the receipt of a quantity of equipment to complement its operations.
The Public Works Ministry yesterday received some 17.1 million euros ($4.7 billion) worth of equipment which was presented by Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Guyana Geert Heikens to assist in the undertaking of extensive sea defence projects.
The items included GIS software, several motorcycles as well as two tidal gauges, which according to Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, would assist the SRDU in its Shorezone Management Programme. He said that the equipment would significantly assist the department and he noted that an increase in water levels worldwide would see the value of such equipment being of great importance.
He elaborated that the tidal gauges will enable the SRDU to “re-index and recalibrate data” to be used in predictions of tidal conditions in the long run. The unit currently has four tidal gauges, but all are not functioning and it was noted that the department will be upgrading to some 12 such instruments.
Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Geoffrey Vaughn said the devices will be utilized not only in monitoring water levels outside the coastland but also in the rivers across Guyana. He noted that while the technology is new, the unit has relevant persons to operate the devices. He noted that the geo-tube fabric, which is relevantly new to these shores according to Benn, has never been used by the department but the material and its usage is known to staff at the SRDU.
The agency also received a quantity of surveying and communication equipment as well as several motorcycles; the latter will be used by rangers within the unit who monitor the sea defence infrastructure across the country.
Ambassador Heikens expressed hope that the EU will continue to work hand in hand with the Works Ministry, more so the Work Services Group (WSG). He said the task of defending the coastland against the force of water remains enormous. He stated too that critical infrastructure maintenance was an important issue and he expressed confidence that the WSG is capable of handling its work programme efficiently and effectively.
Meantime, Minister Benn told Stabroek News yesterday that sea defence work being undertaken at the Turkeyen and University of Guyana (UG) Road junction is meant to bridge a gap which exists around a bend in the sea wall there and the rip rap works undertaken previously.
Water would usually overtop the area and seep onto the roadway and there are reports that water had overtopped the area recent as two days ago.
Work being undertaken in the area includes the construction of a 60 m wall, 6 metres above the rip rap infrastructure. The work is being undertaken by M&B Construction to the tune of $176 million. Rip rap sea defence work was undertaken in the area some time in 2008 to the tune of $180 million and at the time work was undertaken between the UG junction and Ogle.
