Work ongoing on de-silting major canals

Government’s “Clean-Up My Country” Programme is continuing with works on the seven major waterways which were identified.

In this year’s budget, the government set aside $500M for these works in Georgetown. A major portion of the amount is being spent on Le Repentir Cemetery.

A release from the clean-up committee yesterday noted that the major canals which are being de-silted and cleared are the Princes Street, Sussex Street, Church Street, Irving Street, Lamaha Street and Young Street canals as well as the Downer Canal.

The cleared Lamaha Street canal (Clean-up Committee photo)
The cleared Lamaha Street canal (Clean-up Committee photo)
The Downer Canal (Clean-up Committee photo) —
The Downer Canal (Clean-up Committee photo)

Liliendaal, Sophia, Kingston, Queenstown, Newtown Kitty, Campbellville, Bel Air, Queenstown, Alberttown, North Cummingsburg, Newtown, North Ruimveldt,  Lamaha Park,  Lamaha Springs, Lodge, Le Repentir Cemetery, Wortmanville, Werk-en- Rust, East La Penitence, Albouystown, Charlestown Bourda, Lacytown and South Cummingsburg are some of the communities which are expected to benefit from the de-silting of the canals.

To further improve the drainage network in the capital city, the Ministry of Local Government has awarded contracts for repairs to the Meadow Bank, Lamaha and Ruimveldt sluices.

Given the rancour between the government and the Mayor and City Council, critics have questioned what steps will be taken by the government to ensure the sustainability of these works.