Several families living in close proximity to Unu Creek, Cullen in Region Two were flooded yesterday afternoon after a severe high tide overtopped the sea defence and gushed into their yards.
Many of them were forced to move their household and electrical belongings to higher ground after the seawater inundated their lower flats.
According to Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit who visited the area at the behest of the residents he was informed that although rip-rap sea defence was recently done in the area, some 300 feet of works is incomplete and this has resulted in the flooding affecting the families.
“Due to the gap the high tides have passed to the lands, engineers are assessing,” Oodit said.
He added that a team is currently on the ground assessing the situation and necessary interventions are being made by the Ministry of Public Works.
According to residents, the water started to rush into their yards at around 4 pm. They told Stabroek News that they saw water entering their lower flats and upon inquiry, discovered that it was coming from the seaside.
One resident, Mala Kuntie, said that her kitchen garden is currently underwater. It currently has bora, pumpkin, and other vegetables. She noted that most of the families are fisherfolk and have been squatting in the area for over 15 years. They are currently living on the sand top area close to the seaside.
“We lived here for years and we planted and fished we lived a simple life but when it has high tides everything destroy we are poor simple people,” Kuntie said.
Residents expressed concern over the damage the salt water will do to their furniture and kitchen utensils.
The regional engineers have met with residents and are currently assessing the situation. Several trenches also overflowed as the tide rose.
