Continuous monitoring of D&I system in place
-as rainfall intensifies 

 
Georgetown, GINA, March 10, 2008.

Focus continues to be placed on intense monitoring of the drainage and irrigation system in light of the current heavy rainy season which has resulted in several areas recording high water and accumulation in some low-lying communities.
            At a press briefing today, Chief Hydrometeorological Officer (ag) Bhaleka Suelall explained that the natural phenomenon, ‘La Nina,’ which has contributed to the wet conditions in Guyana over the past several months, continues to influence the country’s weather pattern.
            She reported that areas such as Charity, Anna Regina, Georgetown, Good Hope, Pine Ground, Grass Hook, Little Biaboo, Whim and Mibicuri, recorded rainfall ranging from 40 millimetres to 84.4 millimetres over a 24-hour period. The highest amount of rainfall of 130 millimetres in 24 hours was recorded at Enmore.
            Suelall advised that the current weather pattern is likely to continue over the coastland with areas in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 experiencing occasional high intensity rainfall and gusty wind with a possible reduction in rainfall by March 12.
            The heavy rainfall experienced over the past several hours continues to engage the attention of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and other important stakeholders such as the various Regional Administrations. There has been continuous monitoring of the situation countrywide to ensure timely responses to any situation that may arise during the rainy season.
            NDIA’s Chief Executive Officer (ag) Lionel Wordsworth stated that although the heavy rains were experienced across the coastland, Regions Three and Four were most affected as several low-lying areas on the East Coast and West Coast of Demerara recorded high water and accumulation.
The areas include Montrose, Vryheid’s Lust to Success/La Bonne Intention and Anns Grove/Greenfield while in Region Six, Number 19 Village and Alness also experienced water accumulation. Several low areas in Region Two such as Charity were minimally affected.
            Wordsworth pointed out that the continuous monitoring mechanisms have allowed for timely response and interventions. Reference was made to the situation at Enmore, which recorded the highest level of rainfall that resulted in surrounding areas being affected by accumulation. A mobile pump was mobilized to aid in the discharge of excess water in the area while to support drainage in the housing scheme, a section was empoldered and two tractor-driven pumps were deployed.
            In addition, monitoring mechanisms are continuing at the conservancies especially the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) which is currently at a manageable level but which requires continuous monitoring.  It was noted that the levels in the Conservancy have risen while discharge is continuing into the Demerara River.
            With regard to drainage in the City, it was explained that the system in Georgetown is the prime responsibility of the Mayor and City Council although the NDIA have been asked in several instances to support the Council through which previous works were done in areas such as Sophia.

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