By Shuntel Glasgow
Nearly a year after Stabroek News reported about the dire condition of people living on the Parika Sea Dam, a promise to relocate them is still to be fulfilled but many are now making themselves more comfortable by improving their surroundings on what is a sea defence reserve.
About 47 families reside on the Parika Sea Dam. There is neither electricity nor running water, the road in is virtually impassable, sections of the area are swampy, and most of the dwellings are makeshift houses and shacks. However, while many there are desperate for better living conditions, others have managed to make themselves comfortable in the environment.
Stabroek News paid a visit to the Parika Sea Dam last week, and met with Ramesh Takah, a 45-year-old man who has lived in a dilapidated house for the past 20 years with his wife and four children. Takah, who is diabetic, sat on his veranda with a bandaged toe and explained that his life has been bittersweet for years. He had lost his vision last year because of glaucoma, and underwent laser surgery which allowed him to see objects close to him. This was a happy moment for the family until his daughter fell sick. The nine-year-old suddenly began experiencing severe knee pain, and now can only walk short distances.