Region One residents facing millions in losses due to flooding

…MP Ronald Cox says

APNU+AFC Member of Parliament (MP), Ronald Cox said that residents in Region One have incurred losses in the millions as a result of the flooding ravaging several communities.

At a press conference hosted by the main Opposition on Tuesday, Cox presented an overview of the impact. According to the MP, communities located in lowland areas are suffering the worst. These he listed as Barabina, Hosororo, Kumaka and other riverine communities.

“Homes along the Hosororo stretch were flooded, household appliances were damaged and persons engaged in cleanup exercises around and within the homes for two days after. The main economic community — that is a business community called Kumaka — many businesses were devastated as well. Business persons were complaining that their bonds were flooded, and goods damaged that they had to discard of and I estimate them to be in the millions worth,” Cox said.

He also noted flooding of the main road in the area which reached the height of the waist of students who waded through to attend school. Added to this, he said that several farmers have indicated that they have lost everything and will have to “start from scratch”

After visiting residents and interacting with them, Cox said a number of recommendations were made. These include regular clearing of the drainage canals along the Hosororo stretch; the provision of finances and other support to small farmers and residents; the establishment of a Regional and National Task Force; and a halt in the politicising of the national crisis.

Thus far, Cox said that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has implemented a clearing exercise at Hosororo and is using water pumps to remove water from the land — efforts which are appreciated.

He also noted that Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal — who has responsibility for Region One — presented residents with an outboard engine to help with their manoeuvring of floodwaters.  Cox said: “We trust that this is a short term initiative and, in the long term, there will be plans to divert and build a brand new road for the people of Barabina.”