Restoration of Independence arch, City drainage cleanup commences
May 18, 2015 | By KNews | Filed Under News, Source
In one of the new Government’s first order of business, the Municipality of Georgetown, in conjunction with the Government and private investors, yesterday embarked on the restoration of the independence arch and a ‘Clean up Georgetown’ campaign.
The project, which is being carried out in the Upper Brickdam and South Road Region in collaboration with BK International, targets the restoration of the Independence Arch and key points in the city’s drainage system to break the annual May/June trend of massive flooding throughout Georgetown.
President David Granger inspecting the works.
Newly installed President of Guyana, David Granger was briefly on site, ensuring that works were being carried out smoothly.
The Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, was also present inspecting the works. He explained that the project was brought about through collaboration between the President and the Municipality.
Green stated that the digging had commenced only yesterday morning and tons of silt and mud had already been carried off, as part of the cleanup campaign.
“We have carried off tons of stuff already and this is just the initial effort. I am also meeting with my senior staff tomorrow (today) to discuss the way forward, because the main impediments (former President) have been removed.”
“It is also symbolic of the co-operation we intend to have between the new President, the Municipality, and the private and civil society. And we are going to forge that cooperation at tomorrow’s (today’s) meeting.”
De-silting being carried out on the South Road Canal
Green also revealed plans to arrange for a number of meetings in communities based upon the advice of his Engineers.
Ron Eastman, an Engineer attached to the project, also confirmed that the project is to ensure the perimeter around the Office of the President is kept flood free in anticipation of the May/June rains.
The city of Georgetown has been hugely affected by flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, Mayor Green, touching on the contentious issue of the Town Clerk, Carol Sooba, who he said has been on administrative leave since February, stated that he would be taking a legal position in order to have Sooba removed.
