The authorities have to start making plans now for possible flooding at Lethem

Dear Editor,

I write to bring to the attention of the authorities the possibility of flooding again in Lethem.

Those who follow world weather would know that La Nina will be prominent here this year, so we could expect heavier rains than normal. We need to take note of the fact that Manaus, which is on the Amazon river, is now experiencing the worst flooding in 20 years. And the Amazon is connected to the Takutu river here in Lethem through the  Rio Branco in Boa Vista. The Boa Vista authorities have already alerted residents to expect flooding there, a combination of both the impending rainy season and the Amazon’s effect on the Rio Branco.

Here in Lethem, the rainy season started one month early, and the recent heavy downpours have washed away part of the highway between Lethem and Boa Vista, bringing all traffic to a standstill for the past two days. The savannahs here are just about at saturation point, so any more rain will simply run off into the Takutu.

The trail to Georgetown has already deteriorated to the extent that one minibus recently turned over and two trucks were stuck up to Saturday. The trail could very well become impassable again this year.

The Lethem Power Co. acted with no foresight whatsoever last year, resulting in extended power cuts until fuel could be purchased from Boa Vista. I hope that all the relevant authorities start making plans now and that the power company does not once more demonstrate its  foolhardiness by not stocking up on additional supplies without delay.

Yours faithfully,
Clairmont Lye