Flood-affected residents of Kwakwani, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice (Region Ten) have been provided with water tanks and other emergency flood relief resources as a result of a collaboration between the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Canadian High Commission, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The CDC in a statement yesterday informed that residents of Kwakwani, especially those in Lamp Island and Bamboo Landing were given a quantity of water tanks and collapsible water containers donated by UNICEF, as well as hampers, including rain boots, mosquito nets and treatment kits, and face masks, donated by the Canadian High Commission. The CDC was tasked with providing logistical support as well as coordinating the relief mission to ensure that all items were distributed accordingly.
The release also stated that the exercise is all part of a collaborative effort to provide relief to communities such as Kwakwani, where the devastating effects of the May-June 2021 flood took its toll. Persons in the area, it added, are still recovering from the consistent rainfall and unprecedented flood levels of last year.
The distribution took place at the Kwakwani Recreational Centre, in the presence of about 50 residents. Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, gave brief remarks lauding the joint effort. “I am elated to be given the opportunity to deliver remarks at today’s handing over ceremony for the Emergency Flood Relief Project made possible by our valued partners in humanitarian services, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada’s Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), and the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).”
Craig disclosed that the CDC and its partners faced challenges with responding to multiple flood events in every administrative region, along with other hazard impacts such as the 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck several communities in Deep South, Rupununi, Region Nine last year. Relief efforts like these, he explained, are essential in order to equip persons with the necessary tools to respond to hazards and disasters in the future.
Supplies were distributed to some residents with the remainder handed over to the NDC for appropriate distribution.
The Canadian High Commission representative, Political Counselor Caroline Mireault, echoed similar sentiments while acknowledging the effects of the May-June 2021 floods and the importance of continued support for the vulnerable communities. Mireault said she was happy that her organisation was part of such a venture and assured attendees that the Canadian High Commission is always ready to help in any it can as it aspires to have a consistent symbiotic relationship with the CDC.
Also in attendance at the handing over ceremony were Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Ten, Dwight John; Regional Coordinator, Andrew Forsythe; Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Vice Chairman of Region Ten, Kurt Simeon; and Prime Ministerial Representative, Orin Wilson.
Eteringbang in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) is the next community set to receive similar supplies in the near future, the release added.
