Chief City Engineer Colvern Venture yesterday reported to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) that one of two drainage pumps located at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, broke down and floodwaters in some areas may remain on the land longer than expected as a result.
Venture, was responding to enquiries made by constituency councillor Lyndon Hilliman of the APNU+AFC during yesterday’s statutory council meeting.
Hilliman told the council that residents of his constituency, which comprises Cummings Lodge, Atlantic Ville and Pattensen/Turkeyen, are severely affected by the floodwaters after rainfall last Thursday.
According to Venture, the pump broke down yesterday after an electrical lock burned out. He noted that they are seeking a replacement to have the pump functioning again. He explained that both pumps at Liliendaal worked overtime over the weekend to help drain the floodwaters.
During a visit over the weekend to sections of Cummings Lodge and Atlantic Ville, this newspaper observed that the areas were heavily inundated and residents called for main drainage canals to cleaned and cleared.
The resident highlighted that while the villages fall under the responsibility of the M&CC, they have not seen anyone carrying out assessments or conducting any work in their communities.
The M&CC had explained that it is unable to carry out works in the every constituency since it is cash strapped.
However, provisions were made in the council’s 2017 budget to allocate money to every constituency to undertake developmental projects.
A special council meeting is to be held at City Hall today to discuss projects and plans for the constituencies.
