Despite floodwaters in the Lower Pomeroon and Mahaicony River slowly receding, the water level in the Mahaica River continues to rise, contributing further to the discomfort of residents.
Since the start of May, communities across the country have been plagued by flooding. This has resulted in major economic losses for households as the flooding has greatly affected farmers and communities in riverine areas.
Resident of Mahaica River, Sugrim, told Stabroek News yesterday that the water level has risen and currently is just four inches away from his elevated kitchen.
“We don’t know what is happening and why this water is raising. The farmers are saying that water from Mahaicony is coming back this way and water from the Linden-Soesdyke highway is flowing down but honestly, we don’t know how come we are getting so much floods,” the resident of Grass Hook, Mahaica wondered.
According to him, more farmers are recording losses as farms that were not severely affected are now being destroyed.
The entire left bank of Big Biaboo all the way to No.10 village, Sugrim said, is now affected also as the flood water continues to rise.
Additionally, he raised concerns of toilet facilities as residents have limited options and the possibility of a disease outbreak is great.
“We are hearing them say they will help to do this and do that and we are happy for that but we are not hearing any talks of how they will help us with washroom facilities. People don’t really have options there,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, a resident of Mahaicony River yesterday explained to this newspaper that the water level has dropped but rain continues to fall excessively.
“It drop a little yes and we are grateful for that but now all we are hoping for is for it to continue to drop. We were worried that it was going to keep raising but now we can only hope it keep dropping,” Paul Durga said.
He stated that while there has been no significant changes in their situation, residents are happy with the donation of hampers to assist them during this time. Both government and private sector individuals have been assisting families of flood-hit communities along the river.
In Akawini, Lower Pomeroon, Region Two, Dionne Naughton, a resident, related that water has been slowly receding.
“We still have water on the lands and if you want go anywhere you have to wear a long boots but the water dropping little by little,” she informed.
The resident however noted that there is a mosquito infestation and called on authorities to fog the area to limit the spread of any diseases carried by the mosquitoes.
“We need them to come and fog and spray the area because we have a lot of mosquitoes. I think if they do this it will help us a lot,” she added.
Flooding has not only impacted the Lower Pomeroon District but the entire area and the Upper Pomeroon area where the mouth of the river lies, has been severely impacted.
“At least five families had to be relocated from the Karawab Village because of the height of water. We had to find shelters there for these families,” Regional Chair Vilma Da Silva stated as she pointed out that neighbouring villages, like Kabakaburi and St Monica, are also affected. In some areas, she noted, the water has risen to eight feet.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, says that the government is looking at a $10 billion flood-relief plan.
“The impact of the floods has seen widespread economic devastation to those affected and they need immediate relief. We will be seeking $10 billion which will be used in a multi-pronged approach, even as we continue to assess the impact,” Singh told Stabroek News on Wednesday.
President Irfaan Ali during his outreaches to flood-hit communities has given his assurance to affected families that his government will support them and aid in rebuilding their livelihoods.
It is unclear how far the $10 billion will go but Minister Singh said that the immediate focus is to reach and help those affected so that they can, in the first instance, access items for their basic needs and health preservation.
