Mazaruni residents get relief as flood waters continue to recede  

Days before Christmas, residents in the Mazaruni River in Region Seven are breathing a sigh of relief after flood waters have significantly receded. About six villages experienced devastating flooding over the past few weeks.

Regional Chairman for Region Seven Kenneth Williams says that flood waters have further receded by five inches in several villages in the Mazaruni River. The water began receding following days of sunshine.

“Those areas, the water has receded tremendously and they are now resuming their businesses. Many of the persons who would have moved due to the flooding has now returned.

“They are still very upset because they have lost so much,” Williams related.

Three weeks ago, residents experienced severe flooding as a result of excessive and heavy rainfall coupled with high tides.

“It was what you called a double trouble because it is a season when you expect greater harvest and low and behold this untold tragedy affected them.

“There is always the expectation that the water is going to rise but not to this high level, but the problem also is when there is heavy and excessive rainfall with unusual high tides,” Williams explained.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has also been providing aid for affected residents and Williams said he is in constant contact with the toshaos in the villages.