‘Temporary stops’ in place after Providence sluice door collapses – Guyana Chronicle
AT around 02:00hrs on Thursday morning, the sluice door at Providence developed a breach, resulting in flooding in some parts of the area.
Over 200 households in Providence and Peters Hall were said to be affected by flooding, with the lower flats of these houses being inundated with seawater.
After learning of the incident, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and other senior officials and engineers attached to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) visited the area to conduct an assessment at approximately 03:45hrs.
While responding to questions regarding what took place, Minister Mustapha explained that the door collapsed as a result of the tide and that engineers from the NDIA were on site to address the situation and bring relief to those affected.
“At around [sic] 02:00hrs this morning [Thursday], the koker door at Providence collapsed resulting in our officers immediately mobilising resources to seal the breach.
A contractor was also engaged and installed stop logs until a new stainless-steel door is fabricated and installed to replace the damaged wooden door. A pump will also be on site until the new door is installed. Additionally, the stop logs will be operated during the low tide to facilitate gravity drainage to complement the pump,” Minister Mustapha explained.
Minister Mustapha further explained that the local Regional Democratic Council is responsible for maintaining the structure, adding that it appeared this was not being done regularly.
“The operation and maintenance of this structure fall under the RDC. From my observation, the structure was not being maintained as it should be. I will now have to sit with the NDIA and the other authorities to determine a way forward. We cannot continue like this, so the NDIA may have to assist with operating and maintaining this structure as well. We cannot have the lives and well-being of our citizens threatened because those in charge are neglecting their responsibilities,” he added. (Ministry of Agriculture)
