APNU looking at international funding for national flood prevention plan

[www.inewsguyana.com] – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has formalized a group of experts, tasked with the responsibility of putting together a national flood prevention plan.

The group met today, Monday January 20, and according to Executive Member of APNU, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, the Party is also looking for international bodies to fund the proposals.

The expert group includes the likes of Bert Carter, Horace Nurse, Joshua Pigot, Tony Vieira and Mr. Fletcher, along with APNU’s Joseph Harmon, David Granger and Dr. Roopnarine.

In a brief comment to the media, Dr. Roopnarine said that the group will constitute itself in a formal, as to make the necessary proposals.

“We will be able to put forward a proposal for initiatives that has to do with the strategic plan that APNU has talked about…what can be done immediately to cope with some of the more taxing problems associated with flooding both in the city and other regions. We know we’re involved here in what are going to be expensive initiatives…some will have to be funded by central government but we’re looking at international funding bodies to deal with issues arising out of large scale operations…” Dr. Roopnarine said.

The group will also deal with issues affecting maintenance and management. According to Dr. Roopnarine, there is a collapse of management at the level of local and regional development.

“The idea is to constitute the group and establish a way of working…and getting expert reports on issues affecting specific issues, such as overtopping.”

Dr. Roopnarine made it clear that the group does not want to rely heavily on government for funding, even though central government will be involved.