The conditions at the weakened Mahaicony sea defences have worsened with the onset of higher than normal spring tides.
In a release yesterday, the Ministry of Public Works’ Sea and River Defence Department disclosed that the already “critical” condition of the shoreline at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara “has escalated due to the impacts of the current spring tide.” This, it informed, has resulted in the overtopping of ongoing sea defence works being executed between Fairfield and Content and between Content and Mes Delices. Added to that, rapid depletion of the remaining mangrove fringe has occurred over the past 48 hours leading to exposure of 500m of embankment to erosion and overtopping. A similar condition has developed between Fairfield and Bath leading to the exposure of the earthen embankment to direct wave impact and overtopping releasing salt water into the adjacent Bellamy Canal.
It was pointed out that the current spring tide is exacerbated by the unusual number of tropical storms presently active in the Atlantic Ocean. These tropical storms and low-pressure systems, when combined with spring tide effects, characteristically contribute to a more aggressive wave climate and increases nearshore wave energy.
Four major sea defence contracts were awarded in September for the construction of a total of 2km of permanent sea defence structures, which the Department assures will address these critical areas. All contractors, it says, are currently preparing to mobilise to the respective sites to initiate these flood protection works.
The Ministry has assured that the Sea and River Defence Department will continue to “actively pursue” the required measures to mitigate the impacts on flooding on coastal communities. Residents of low-lying coastal communities are advis-ed to take the needed precautions during the remainder of the spring tide period, the release added.
Additional vulnerable areas being closely monitored include, Cullen and Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast; Cane Garden, Cane Field, Elizabeth Ann, Waterloo, Maryville, Retrieve and Blenheim on the island of Leguan; Zeelandia, Maria Pleasure, Belle Plaine, Sans Souci, and Moorfarm on the island of Wakenaam; Parika, Den Amstel, Anna Catherina, Hague, and Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara; New Hope, Good Success, Friendship and Garden of Eden on the East Bank of Demerara; Helena along the Mahaica River; and New Amsterdam, Sheet Anchor, Wellington Park and No.54 to No. 61 Village, Coren-tyne, Region 6.The Sea and River Defence Force Account Units have been working to heighten vulnerable sections of earthen embankment and reinforce stretches of revetment and sea walls to minimise the extent of overtopping, the release added.
