NDIA Begins Major Desilting Campaign to Strengthen City’s Flood Protection

December 8 2025 

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has launched a series of critical desilting and dredging operations across Georgetown as part of the government’s ongoing push to improve the city’s flood-prevention infrastructure.

Works are currently underway along the Commerce Street outfall channel and Avenue of the Republic, targeting improved water flow and reduced flooding during periods of heavy rainfall and high tides.

According to NDIA officials, the programme will expand over the coming days and weeks to include several additional outfall channels throughout the capital.

These include Cowan Street, Church Street, Princess Street, Sussex Street, La Penitence, South Ruimveldt, North Ruimveldt, and Rome. The interventions aim to clear accumulated silt that hampers water discharge and contributes to frequent flooding in both commercial and residential areas.

As part of the broader effort, NDIA crews are also excavating and clearing beneath the bridge along the South Road drainage channel. This is expected to significantly enhance the movement of water toward the sluice, improving the overall efficiency of the drainage network in a heavily trafficked section of the city.

The desilting campaign forms part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen Georgetown’s resilience to severe weather and reduce the impact of seasonal flooding on communities and businesses.

(Ministry of Agriculture)