Dear Editor,
In a letter which was published in SN on April 18 on the above referenced subject, Mr. Tony Vieira (Tony) expressed his dismay and concern regarding changes in the design standard of drains in Georgetown. Previously, the drains were designed with sloping sidewalls but this has been changed to vertical sidewalls. However, the conveyance capacity of drains with the correct sidewall slopes and their grades are more efficient hydraulically than those with vertical ones.
Responsibility for drains and other infrastructures changes within the City’s boundary is that of the City Engineer whose office is located on the Avenue of the Republic next to City Hall. Some infrastructures within the City, such as the seawalls and Craig Highway, are the responsibility of the Central Government. It seems however, that the change in design of the drains in the City was related to costs, since drains with sloping sidewalls are more expensive and complex to construct than drains with vertical ones. The City is experiencing financial problems and has been exploring ways and means to finance its operation and management. It apparently found savings in the redesign and construction of its drains.
The Guyana Association of Profession-al Engineers (GAPE), of which I was a former member, is an association of engineers whose objectives are to pursue the welfare and interests of its members. It has no legal standing and is not a regulatory body. Since its formation, GAPE has held many meetings with successive Govern-ments to enact legislation relating to engineers’ qualifications to practice, establish Codes of Practice for engineering works and other issues. Unfortunately, no action has been taken so far to enact legislation on these and other engineering matters as they affect the safety and welfare of the people of the Republic.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is a Division of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) whose primary responsibility is the MoA ‘s drainage and irrigation schemes. Occasionally, it has provided its expertise and equipment at the Government’s behest to other agencies such as Georgetown to resolve their flooding and drainage problems. Contrary to Tony’s remarks, NDIA has no authority to intervene in the operations of the City’s Engineering Department or to give directives to the City Engineer. That’s the responsibility of the City Council/Town Clerk.
Sincerely,
Charles Sohan
