Berbice : Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that spring tide with waves led to overtopping at Profitt, West Coast Berbice, and resulted in damage to a section of the sea defence that was under active construction.
The Public Works Minister explained that water is currently being taken out on the East Bank Berbice tide via the Bellamy Canal.
The overtopping which occurred as a result of high tides between Thursday and Friday last, has affected a number of farmers in the area.
Minister Benn said that high tides are expected to last until Tuesday, when repairs to the damaged sea defence section are expected to be concluded.
The constant threat of climate change along with the fact that Guyana is below sea level, sees government investing significant sums to enhance the integrity of its sea defence structure.
Whilst $2.7B was spent in 2011 for the protection of approximately 10 kilometres of sea defence in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 for critical and emergency works, $2.9B has been allocated for the continuation of such works in 2012.
