President Irfaan Ali today assured residents of Region Seven that his Government will put both short-term and long-term measures in place to help those affected by flooding.
In a visit to the region, the Head of State along with Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig met with residents of several communities and flew over the affected areas, according to a statement from the Office of the President.
In the interim, Ali said that the focus would be on food, shelter, access to medical facilities, and medical care. He told residents that the CDC will soon start distributing emergency supplies.
At Jawalla, in the Upper Mazaruni, the President said that initial estimates indicate that some 60 households have been completely affected and that approximately 169 farms were inundated.
The flooding in the Akawaio community is one of the worst in decades, the release said.
President Ali empathised with the affected residents and assured them that his Government will work non stop to help them get back to some level of normalcy.
“I am here personally to let you know that we understand your pain—we feel your pain. I want to commit to you, that you will get help and the Government will help the community and the farmers.”
In the interim, he said that the focus would be on getting people to safe and secure locations and to ensure that they have food and other emergency supplies.
As he did in Jawalla, the President also listened to the concerns of residents from Kamarang.
He told persons there that the flooding is a national disaster, but that the Government is committed to helping all Guyanese.
Colonel Craig said that over 250 food hampers and cleaning supplies were transported to Kamarang and will be distributed to affected residents.
He said that the CDC will continue to work with the community to provide necessities.
The team also visited other areas in the region, including Olive Creek.
