Dear Editor,
A collaboration with the Netherlands is useful to solve our drainage problems. Every Guyanese should know that the Dutch from the Netherlands were the first Europeans to colonise Guiana. Furthermore, since the Netherlands is below sea level like Guyana, the Dutch are renowned for their ability to set up excellent drainage and irrigation systems. Holland is just about 15,060 square miles and according to figures from a book published in 2002, the population was approximately fifteen million.
Sadly, after independence we did not continue to maintain our drainage systems properly. Some of our canals were filled up, many kokers over time became dysfunctional and the seawalls were allowed to deteriorate, resulting in flooding. Many Guyanese have suffered losses of crops, livestock and damage to property.
In Georgetown flooding is caused by throwing garbage into the gutters, canals, on the roads – practically all over. In building high-rise buildings, contractors have blocked the drains with building waste.
Let us approach Holland and try to enlist their help in drainage to deal with the scourge of flooding.
Yours faithfully,
Malcolm Maynard
