Clean-up after flash flood continues

Officials predict that it may take months before there is a return to normalcy in the North Windward town of Georgetown, following a flash flood in the area two weeks ago.{{more}}

A visit to the area earlier this week revealed that clean up operations are continuing in earnest, with scores of trucks, tractors and bulldozers removing tons of dirt and debris from where they were deposited by the raging rivers on the night of Monday, April 11.

Utility suppliers, mainly the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA), were also seen putting things in place to restore pipe borne water to the area, which has not had a supply since the deluge.

Since then, water trucks have been making the rounds delivering water to villagers.

Andrea Yearwood, an employee of the Bridges, Roads and General Services Authority (BRAGSA), indicated that all efforts were being made by the institution to have the debris removed as quickly as possible.

“We are doing all we can to have the town return to a normal state.

The tree trunks, the dirt and the garbage is making the place unsightly; not to mention the smell of the mold.”

Yearwood indicated that the debris that is removed from the town, mainly the Mount Young Bridge, main Georgetown area, Dickson and the Basin Hole, Langley Park area, is being dumped in the Rabacca area, and is used to redirect the river under the bridge.

One truck driver told SEARCHLIGHT that he estimates that there are over 100 trucks working in the area, beginning at sunrise until about 5 pm daily, and he believes that the job to clean up the town is far from over.

He indicated that an agreement was made among the truckers that they will offer their services to move the garbage and debris on Sundays gratis.

“It is our country, too, and we have to make a contribution. The government alone can’t do all this by itself.”(JJ)