Residents of the Region Two community of Huis t’Dieren are frustrated by what they say is neglect shown by regional and national authorities over a river defence breach which has existed for about four years.
Residents argue that the breach to the earthen river defence was detected in its early stages years ago and was promptly reported to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) with the hope that it would quickly be addressed. However, residents said that despite numerous complaints made, the issue remains unaddressed as the size of the breach along with the probable cost to repair it increases. Measurements taken of the breach revealed that it is now no less that 20 feet wide and about 8 feet in depth.
Residents say that after years of inaction, during a community meeting held earlier this year with Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Ali Baksh, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo, as well as several other top officials from regional governmental bodies, the issue was raised and assurances were given that steps would be taken seal the breach and end their plight.
When Stabroek News contacted the RDC for Region 2, officials confirmed that complaints were indeed received from residents but were subsequently relayed to the Ministry of Public Works since the ministry and not the RDC was relevant authority responsible for rectifying the matter. Samaroo did however reveal that he was aware of assessments being made so as to formulate a budget for the repairs to be done on the breach.
Baksh also admitted that complaints were received by his ministry concerning the breach. When asked what steps were being taken to address the matter he stated “they are still looking at it.”
Stabroek News on Friday contacted the Ministry of Public Works which said that it was only recently made aware of the breach by the RDC and was currently conducting investigations to determine how to go about addressing the situation. Efforts made to contact the Ministry for an update on their investigations were unsuccessful.
In the meantime, residents are left to suffer torrents of flood water which hamper their way of life, especially when the tide is high. Residents said that flooding in the area has become so severe that many farmers have not been able to cultivate their rice fields costing untold sums in revenue and jeopardizing their very way of life.
