Ocean View reopens after flood damage

The Ocean View International Hotel, which was flooded a week ago after waves overtopped the seawall between Kitty and the University of Guyana road at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, is back in business.

A week ago, the entire ground floor of the building was covered with mud left after flooding caused by unusual spring tides.

Hotelier Jacob Rambarran told Stabroek News yesterday that the interior of the building had been cleaned and repaired, enabling him to reopen on Saturday afternoon. Cleaning up is still being done to the exterior of the building but Rambarran said that everything should be back on track by Friday.

During the flood, power outlets, pumps, furniture and three generators were damaged, resulting in millions of dollars in losses to the business. Guests staying at the hotel were also relocated to other hotels.

When Stabroek News visited the hotel yesterday, employees inside the building were conducting their activities as per normal while there were a few men cleaning the remaining mud from the parking lot. Some were also cleaning a few muddy carpets.

Rambarran stated that he will no longer use carpet on the flooring but will replace it with tiles. He also said that he is looking at ideas to secure his place from flooding in the future.