Following yesterday’s downpours, Stabroek News visited several wards of Georgetown and observed varying levels of flooding and blocked drains compounded by garbage accumulation.
On Church Street, minor flooding was observed, but garbage was strewn around utility posts and other areas. The zone around the National Library was similarly affected, with garbage piled up against an electricity pole. Main Street experienced only minimal flooding. Beneath and on either side of the New Garden and Church streets’ bridge, was clogged with bottles and boxes, emitting a foul odour. On North Road, the entrance to Bourda Market was flooded, as garbage lined the road’s shoulders.
At the Cuffy Square where Vlissengen Road, Brickdam and Hadfield Street interconnect significant flooding was evident. In close proximity to the Ministry of Health, Hadfield Street was nearly invisible due to the flood that covered residential yards. Again, clogged drains were overflowing on either side due to a garbage build-up. Haley Street was covered in ankle deep water as garbage piles and old metal filled either side of the street.
The Kitty Pump Station was in operation but the garbage accumulation near the patio overlooking the sea wall including food boxes, water bottles, and aluminum foil pans, posed a threat to the drainage system in the area.
At the Liliendaal Pump Station, its two pumps were not working simultaneously. City Works Engineer Colvern Venture explained that this was due to the garbage build-up. “When there is a build-up of debris, both pumps cannot work simultaneously. The force with which the pump pulls could result in damage if garbage gets stuck inside,” Venture stated. Calls to Mayor Alfred Mentore and head of the City’s Solid Waste Department, Walter Narine, for comments went unanswered.
