Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that the government will invest the resources needed to either provide shelter or enough victuals to citizens affected by severe flooding.
During an online interview this evening, the official noted that there have been hours of rainfall that culminated with unusual high tide, both of which resulted in several inches of water accumulating in communities across the country. The Vice President said the government is acutely aware of the hardships this has caused in almost all 10 regions. At the same time, he said one ought to recognize that there is not much that can be done about the flooding until the rain eases and the tide recedes. Until such time, the government is focused on three issues. Jagdeo outlined these to be shelter where needed, efficient provision of food supplies, and taking the necessary precautions for health issues in light of the pandemic.
Further to this, Jagdeo said that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali had convened a meeting today on the flooding, following which he visited affected communities such as Kwakwani in Region 10. The Vice President said too that contact was made with the Regional Officers for all the administration regions while adding that they were given assurances that they will have government’s full support.
He said, “We assured them that once we get past the immediate problem of high water and flooding, that the State, the central government will provide resources for rebuilding of infrastructure and to address livelihoods because many people have not only had hardships but they have lost their farmlands or the animals that they had, etc. So there will be support for this after we get past the immediate period…”
The Vice President added, “We made it clear to them that all of the regional officials and councilors, etc., they must be in the communities, they must be very visible in the communities and they must say this to people and then see if they need immediate help and then contact us so that we can provide the resource so that people can get food and shelter at this stage. And if necessary, be evacuated.”
Guyana Standard understands all of the administrative regions in Guyana, except for Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), have reported instances of flooding as heavy rainfall and high tide continue.
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC), as well as several private companies, have already deployed relief inclusive of cleaning supplies and other items to some regions including Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), and 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
