-by David Clarke

Heavy rainfall over the past two days has placed drainage systems across Guyana under pressure, prompting a national flood response effort. But despite these efforts, some areas, especially in the capital, experienced flooding. 

President Irfaan Ali last evening visited some of these areas to get a first-hand assessment of the situation.

“The lack of maintenance from the city, of course, is a major challenge for us. When you look at the alleyways in Queenstown and many of the other areas in Georgetown, even in Allbouystown and so on, the drainage between the alleyways are completely overgrown. They’re not maintained at all,” he said.

It was noted that more than 200 pumps are in operation across the country, including Georgetown, as rainy conditions persist. 270 pumps nationally deployed, working almost 24 hours along the clock. 

“That is in all of the critical areas. On Friday, we have an additional 11 pumps, new pumps that will be in the country to be deployed at other areas,” he added.

The president says engineers are monitoring the drainage infrastructure continuously, while the Civil Defense Commission has established a task force in anticipation of further heavy rains. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works has instructed project managers, engineers and contractors to ensure there is free flow of water within and around construction zones to help reduce flooding.Residents experiencing rising water levels are being encouraged to contact the Ministry’s emergency hotline, 624-2964.