While we agree that the overtopping on the East Coast Demerara recently was so unexpected, we must give some credit to the prompt response by the relevant authorities to have the situation under control as quickly as possible.Within a few hours after the tides began to spill over the seawall, work crew and machinery were on the ground clearing the drains and building-up low areas of the sea defence. Several government officials were also on site leading the response actions based on consultations with residents.

Perhaps we can say that the lessons learnt in the 2005 flood are being used to competently deal with natural disasters as the country confronts the brunt of climate change and global warming issues.

I should note also, Minister Benn’s comments on the television about the actions of some citizens that contributed further to the situation. Here, I refer to the pile of garbage in the drains and the building of driveways and extended infrastructure by private businesses and other individuals which hindered the D&I flow.

I am sure these people and others now see the consequences their actions can have on themselves and their entire neighborhood when a natural disaster strikes and will learn to make adjustments.

We’ve heard the warnings many times, ‘stop dumping garbage in the canals,’ ‘do not construct structures on drainage or reserves,’ ‘do not block the smooth flow of the drainage,’ but which have fallen on deaf ears, now we see the implications.

Anyhow, I think we dealt pretty well with the overtopping and maybe we will continue to be better prepared in the future.
JULIAN MORTAGUE