– residents counting losses again
Irregular spring tides early yesterday morning and again in the late afternoon left areas of Craig, East Bank Demerara under several inches of water and residents counting their losses.
Residents told this newspaper that around 4 am the water began to enter their yards and homes, forcing them to abandon sleep and attempt to save whatever assets that they could. Almost 12 hours later, they were faced with a similar situation as the water levels started to rise again. The residents are expecting much more of the same today and tomorrow.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, when contacted yesterday, confirmed that there was irregular spring tide which had caused flooding in areas along the East Bank. He said that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has since mobilized support for the seas and river defence unit of the Public Works Ministry.
Everest Baptiste, pastor of the Craig Assembly of God church, said he received a call about 4.30 am, informing him that water had entered the church. Baptiste, who lives in Diamond, said that when he rushed down to the church he was surprised to see how high the water in the building was. “We get intermittent flooding but not to the extent we are having now,” he said. According to him, in over 20 years as the pastor of the church, he had never seen so much water in the church building.
He said that the dam protecting the village from the river broke some time ago and sand bags were recently placed there by the authorities as a solution. But according to him, these bags are “inefficient.” Several other residents echoed these sentiments.
One resident, Balram Toolsie, said he was sleeping when he heard an explosion and subsequently saw smoke in the house. “I thought de house deh burning,” he said adding that he then realized that his fridge had exploded and that his living quarters were under water. “I run quick and turn of the main switch,” he said. According to him, his washing machine, DVD player, and several pieces of furniture were also damaged.
Toolsie, who lives at his Lot 348 Craig Public Road with his wife and two children, said that this is a constant feature of life in Craig. He said that although some persons call them squatters, this is not so because they pay rates and taxes on the land. “Since when squatters does pay taxes?” he asked rhetorically. “And how dey gon put sand bags to prevent the water from coming in?” he asked.
Amanda Persaud helps run a family shop on her property and she is now counting the losses in stock and equipment. According to her, she and other relatives were sleeping upstairs when neighbours alerted her that water was pouring into their yard and lower flat, which housed the store. She said that while they were able to save some of the items, they are yet to determine how much had been lost.
She too said that the area is prone to flooding, but was adamant that more should be done to solve the problem. According to her, in the past persons have reportedly said that they were squatters but she said this is far from the truth. “This is transported land,” she said.
Mitchell Guyadeen was another resident severely affected by the flood. His entire bottom flat was inundated. Guyadeen, who also rears chickens, said that 8 of his 41 birds had died yesterday. He said that he has since raised the pen so as to ensure the survival of the rest of birds.
“This is bad for the children,” said Priscilla Edwards, another resident affected by the flood. According to her, the flooded water was transporting sewage which was not a good thing and that “people got lil children.” This newspaper observed that there were latrines in some of the yards.
“Who is going to compensate us?” asked an emotional Antonio Cattam. Several appliances as well as household articles belonging to his reputed wife and daughter were lost. He said when he went to the Village Council for some advice and assistance, he was greeted with a very cynical and uncaring response.
Gomattee Joao said that her family has been living in the areas for over 60 years and have experienced similar occurrences in the past, but none quite like yesterday’s. According to her, the issue is becoming overbearing and is costly since whenever damage is done, poor people have to find money out of their own pockets to purchase new appliances and to make repairs.
She said that a permanent and effective solution needed to be found to stop the river banks from over topping.
