WORK is moving steadily on the sealing of sea defence breaches in the area of Buxton/Friendship/Vigilance, East Coast Demerara. Up to yesterday, some 30 per cent of remedial works on two of the three breaches had been completed.

The breaches were made on Friday by surging spring tide ocean waters.

Project Engineer with the Guyana Sea Defence Emergency Works Project Mr. Mike Lall said the largest of the breaches, measuring some 67 feet, should be sealed by tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday morning.

He told the ‘Chronicle’ at the breach site yesterday, that the other two breaches, measuring 57 feet and 27 feet respectively will be sealed off before the end of the week.

Lall noted, too, that about 30 per cent of remedial works has already been completed on both the 67 feet and 57 feet breaches while work on the 27- foot breach will begin today. Most of the materials that will be needed to seal the breaches are already on site, he said.

The Project Engineer indicated that in addition to sealing the breached areas, sea defence workers will be placing large boulders on the seaward side of the wall. These boulders will help to break the force of the waves thus extending the `life' of the sea wall.

The sea defences were breached around 15:30 hours on Friday, reportedly by high tides and heavy winds. This is the third time this year that sections of the more than 40-year-old sea defence structure has been breached. The housing area immediately off the sea wall was under water on Friday night and Saturday.

There has been no report yet of loss or damage by residents as a result of the flood waters. The flood had virtually receded by yesterday, when this newspaper visited the area. Sea defence officials said the water pump from a neighbouring village has been in operation.

Lall indicated too that the drainage system in the area is very good.

Among Senior Government officials visiting the site yesterday were Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Local Government Minister Mr. Harripersaud Nokta and Regional Chairman, Region Four, Mr. Alan Munroe. (Mark Ramotar)