Problems with the Kingston koker door this afternoon led to flooding in Kingston and surrounding areas and the Civil Defence Commission has issued the following warning.
“The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) hereby advises the general public, particularly occupants in all public and private buildings within the below stated vicinity, to be cautioned that there has been a breach in the Kingston Koker. Persons are therefore advised to remove all assets and resources from low-lying areas to higher ground.
Northern Boundary Sea-wall Road
Southern Boundary North Road
Western Boundary Water St.
Eastern Boundary Sheriff St.”
At the height of the high tide this afternoon, water gushed into connecting canals and left residents in awe as they watched the levels rise quickly.
Sections of downtown Georgetown including the compound of State House are currently under water.
The affected areas also include the Ministry of Finance and other sections of Main Street, Water Street, Lamaha Street and Kingston.
The pump attendant told Stabroek News that just before 5 o clock the force of the water smashed the door. He said that prior to that the door showed no signs of weakness. Water from the Demerara River flowed freely. The high tide began around 3.30 pm.
President Donald Ramotar told reporters at the scene that when the tide subsides efforts will be made to control the flow of water. He, the Minister of Transport Robeson Benn and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee were among the persons who turned up at the koker to assess the situation.
On Saturday, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) issued a warning particularly to those vessels navigating in the country’s waters. The unusual high tides are expected to continue until Friday.
In recent months there have been a variety of problems with the Kingston koker.
