High and accumulated water receding in most affected areas

Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2008.

Water accumulated in low-lying areas of Regions Three, Four and Six, which was caused by the recent heavy rainfall, has been receding through gravity drainage and the use of pumps strategically located along the coastland.
            This was highlighted by Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth, who noted that the reduction in water levels is supported by the break in the weather pattern, which was experienced during most of today, although some of the affected areas are still experiencing accumulation.
Withdrawal of the excess water was observed at areas such as the East Coast Demerara in Region Four and at Canal Number One Polder, Region Three, where maintenance works are continuing to ensure maximum conveyance drainage. There have been reports of receding water levels in areas such as Number 19 Village and Manchester in Region Six that experienced minor accumulation.
It was noted that the levels in the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks, Region Five, which had risen as a result of rainfall earlier in the year, were receding, but with the recent rainfall, there have been some increases.
            During a visit to the Montrose pump station today, the CEO pointed out that recent readings revealed that the levels in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) were at a standstill. Monitoring activities are continuing while discharge is ongoing into the Demerara River.
He noted that if favourable weather continues, there will be a significant improvement in the situation within two days.
  Pump in operation at Montrose, ECD       

Re-installation of the fourth pump, which was undergoing repairs, at the Montrose pump station will help to enhance drainage of the Montrose/La Ressouvenir area. The Montrose pump station is being managed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
            Agricultural Manager of the La Bonne Intention/Great Diamond Estate, Akbar Ally Shaw explained that the pump’s shaft was damaged and repairs have been carried out to the upper sections. Works to the lower section of the pump, which is submerged in the water have been affected by the high water caused by the heavy rainfall.
            Drainage facilities such as the Montrose pump were built in such a way that the water has to drain into a basin which facilitates discharge into the Atlantic Ocean through the Montrose sea sluice.
The sluice can only operate when the tide is below 2.64 metres gd and during the Spring tide, which is currently being experienced, the sea level is usually beyond this mark, resulting in the facility being closed until the tide drops.
            Efforts are underway to carry out long-term upgrading to the station’s operation which will include replacement of the sluice with a flop-gate system. The contract for this project has already been signed for this project.
            In addition, the NDIA and GuySucCO are collaboratively examining other options for Montrose. The possibility of a new sluice and relocation of the pumps to have discharge done directly to Atlantic Ocean are being considered.

 

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