Contrary to suggestions that the Kitty Pump Station was shut off yesterday during low tide, the pump was being used to drain the surrounding environs.
Persons had made claims that the pump has been off since last Thursday night as sections of the area were severely flooded, particularly Camp Ayanganna, where relatively high levels of water was observed up to yesterday afternoon.
The pump operator at the Kitty location explained that persons may be of the impression that the pump was not in operation but noted that it cannot run continuously. The man explained that because the pump is an electrical one, it had to be switched off when the water in the basin was low to avoid the pump being damaged.
While giving a brief tour, the attendant pointed out that pump had to be switched off to allow the water level in the basin to reach a certain point before switching it on again. He further related that the pump tends to heat up if left on for extended periods of time when the water in the basin is low.
Responding to inquiries about the presence of floodwater in and around the compound of the neighbouring Camp Ayanganna, the man opined that the entrance to the tubing for the pump that is connected that area may be blocked. Therefore, the water is unable to flow freely. He said it was questionable as to why the water from that area hasn’t drained off as yet since water from the other side has since receded and the water level in the basin remained at a low level.
He added that he tried to make contact with the relevant authorities with the hope of them sending somebody over to clear the area. However, his attempts up to that point in time proved to be futile.
When Stabroek News left the pump station, water was being pumped into the Atlantic by the Kitty pump.