A team of Indian engineers has started installation of 12 pumps that are to be placed across the coast, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said on Monday.
Mustapha told Stabroek News that the engineers, who were scheduled to be here months ago, were delayed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Guyana secured 12 pumps, comprising nine fixed pumps and three mobile pumps, which will be strategically placed, at a cost of US$3.6 million.
According to the minister, 11 of the pumps are for drainage purposes and the other will be used in the Mahaicony area for irrigation purposes.
Mustapha noted that the installation of the pumps will significantly enhance the country’s drainage capabilities and they are expected to provide relief to residents affected by flooding.
The new fixed pumps will be installed at Devonshire Castle and Hampton Court, on the Essequibo Coast; Den Amstel, on the West Coast of Demerara; Nooten Zuil, Hope, and Mora Point, Mahaicony, on the East Coast of Demerara; and Rose Hall Town, Corentyne. The mobile pumps will be installed at Princes Street, Sussex Street and Cowan Street. These will aid drainage of the city particularly at high tide.
Stabroek News understands that at least two of the identified locations will be equipped with two fixed pumps.
The team had indicated that it will take a minimum of two weeks to install each pump, and installation will occur concurrently with other stations, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Up to Monday, the team was said to be working on the Essequibo Coast.
“We know for a fact that the entire coast is below sea level and with climate change contributing to higher water levels and unpredictable weather conditions, the coastal regions have become even more vulnerable. Our current drainage system is only capable of draining just about 2 to 2.5 inches of water within a 24-hr period. Given the fact that Georgetown experienced almost 5 inches of rainfall, you can understand the amount of pressure it placed on the drainage system,” Mustapha said last week Wednesday during his visit around the city after it was flooded.
During the meeting with the team last week, Mustapha stressed the urgency of having the pumps in place.
“We need these pumps installed urgently. You see the current weather conditions and how the rains and flooding affect the daily operations of our citizens. We are depending on you to work swiftly,” he urged.
