-by Nakasia Logan
Neighbourhood Democratic Councils across Guyana are being urged to ensure all drainage and flood control systems are fully operational as authorities brace for increased rainfall and possible flooding from Friday into the weekend.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, is calling on local authorities, including NDCs, Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), and municipalities, to take immediate action to safeguard communities as a weather advisory remains in effect.
He stressed that while national agencies are on high alert, the effectiveness of flood mitigation efforts depends heavily on the preparedness of local bodies.
“I’ve asked the local authorities that to those are the NDCs, RDCs and municipalities, they must also play their part to ensure that they put the system in place. In the meantime, I have NDIA around the clock. Our engineers are out in the field. They are monitoring the area, and they are ensuring that all the systems are in place and functioning,” he said.
Mustapha also reiterated that all drainage pumps are operational but raised concerns about the continued disposal of garbage in canals and gutters, warning that the practice restricts water flow and damages critical infrastructure.
“I want to ask that resident desist from throwing their garbage in those it’s affecting the flow of water. It’s also affecting our pumps. It’s getting in the company. We have to stop the pump and also repair it. That might cause serious problem,” he urged.
With forecasts from the Hydro-Meteorological Service indicating that rainfall intensity will increase closer to the weekend, residents as well are also being encouraged to play their part by clearing blockages around their homes to aid drainage.
Meanwhile, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has mobilised teams nationwide, with Assistant City Engineer Rashid Kellman telling NCN News that they are working closely with agency to keep outfalls clear.
“There is 11 pumps that will now be monitored and managed from there, we have the two attendants who are to the pumps and koker and a shift system. They would also open the door once the tide is out,” he said.
Over the last 24 hours between 08:00 hrs on Tuesday, March 24, and 08:00 hrs on Wednesday, March 25 the Hydrometeorological Service, recorded significant rainfall at their stations across Guyana.
The highest accumulation was reported at Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two, 4.51 inches of rainfall.