Objections to the destruction of the mangrove plants at Malgre Toute/Versailles are heating up but Guyana’s Minister of Public Work Bishop Juan Edghill has said that the USD$100 million shore base project will not have any debilitating effects on the environment and residents. Edghill said sturdy sea defence structures will be constructed in the vicinity.
On Monday, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon called for the immediate suspension of works at Malgre Toute/Versailles where mangroves have been destroyed to facilitate a private project.
Harmon said it is shocking because this crude and unconscionable destruction of several acres of mangroves will directly jeopardize the lives of thousands of people of Malgre Toute and Versailles and other villages along the West Bank of Demerara – Pouderoyen, Goed Fortuin, Phoenix Park, Plantain Walk and here in Vreed-en-Hoop.
According to Harmon the destruction of the mangroves will now make families, their properties and businesses vulnerable to extreme flooding from high tides and spring tides. He noted that we have seen what has been happening in other parts of the country, particularly at Little Diamond on the other side of the Demerara river where residents suffered millions of dollars in losses and damage to property, furniture, appliances and household items.