Two malfunctioning city hydro pumps have resulted in flooding in Princes Street, while residents in West Ruimveldt and Albouystown are likely to be affected if continuous rainfall persists.
Public Relations Officer of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Royston King said yesterday that the pumps are expected to be fixed by Monday.
Visits to Princes Street, Albouystown and West Ruimveldt by this newspaper yesterday showed that residences in Princes Street were affected byflooding. The bottom flats of some houses as well as bridges leading to persons’ homes were submerged. Large amounts of plastic bottles, Styrofoam boxes and plastic bags were also seen floating in the trenches and drains in all three communities.
The trenches and drains in Albouystown and West Ruimveldt were full to the level of people’s fences, ready to run over at the slightest rainfall if the water does not recede.
With the two city hydro pumps and the John Fernandes Ltd sluice inoperable, city officials are pleading with the residents of Georgetown to maintain clean drains so as to allow a free flow of water.
The two pumps which are located at Sussex Street have been reported to be malfunctioning by the City Engineer, the M&CC informed in a press release on Thursday, adding that pumps in Kitty were also affected during power outages.
The M&CC reported that Georgetown experienced 4.0 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period and as a result, there was overtopping in some areas. Council apologized to the residents who were affected by this.
It was further stated that the council budgeted over $220 million in the municipal estimates for the purpose of drainage works and more than $125 million has been expended so far to preserve and improve the drainage system of Georgetown.
