Wildfires have destroyed at least three buildings including a home in the Rupununi and with the current dry season, such occurrences continue to be a threat, Chairman of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) Brian Allicock says.
The official confirmed to Stabroek News yesterday that there were three reported cases of fire gutting the properties of residents. He said that they have recorded forest fires in the mountains but most of the wildfires in the region are as a result of villagers lighting fires and not monitoring them.
“It is a serious issue here in the region but we have been talking to villagers to desist from lighting fires and not monitor it. We have to be very careful because of the weather condition we are having,” Allicock stressed.
Over the past weeks, three families suffered as a result of the wildfires. Two weeks ago, the regional chairman said, a storeroom with a family’s farm equipment and agro-processing materials was destroyed. In Aranaputa, he said, a farmer, Mario Edwards, lost his home and yesterday, a family in Rupanau, South Central Rupununi, lost their kitchen, which was in an adjoining building.
He explained that the fires are aided by heavy winds and quickly spread across the topography of the villages.
Edwards’ daughter, Sharon, told this publication that her father was not at home when the fire destroyed his home and at present, he is looking for assistance to rebuild. She said the fire occurred two weeks ago and he has since been living with his sister in the village.
Sharon related that her father lost his entire one-bedroom house, along with all his personal items, including farming equipment. “At present, he is trying to rebuild and will be grateful for any assistance he can get from the public. I tried my best to replace his clothing and kitchen utensils,” she said.
Residents of Aranaputa are currently using Facebook to raise donations to assist Edwards in rebuilding his home.
Allicock yesterday revealed that the region will also be reaching out to the Guyana Relief Council to aid affected families.
He said Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock is currently in the region and they will be speaking to him to advocate for assistance for the affected residents.
Allicock further indicated that the regional body has been making plans for a fund for families affected by natural disasters to be a part of their budget. With this fund in place, he said, they will be able to help families affected by disasters such as flooding or wildfires. “We tried in 2019 to include that fund but we didn’t get around to it but we are looking to have it in the 2020 budget,” he related.
