CARIBBEAN SECONDARY EXAMINATION COUNCIL

SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT

GEOGRAPHY

YEAR 2020-2021

CANDIDATE NAME: DARSHANIE PERSAUD

CANDIDATE NUMBER: 0900430168

CENTRE NAME: NORTH RUIMVELDT SECONDARY

CENTRE NUMBER: 090043

TERRITORY: GUYANA

TITLE: TO IDENTIFY AND DESCRIBE THE CAUSES AND IMPACT OF FLOODING ON

THE BUSINESSES OF THE STABROEK MARKET AREA, GEORGETOWN, GUYANA.
 CARIBBEAN SECONDARY EXAMINATION COUNCIL

SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT

GEOGRAPHY

YEAR 2020-2021

CANDIDATE NAME: DARSHANIE PERSAUD

CANDIDATE NUMBER: 0900430168

CENTRE NAME: NORTH RUIMVELDT SECONDARY

CENTRE NUMBER: 090043

TERRITORY: GUYANA

TITLE: TO IDENTIFY AND DESCRIBE THE CAUSES AND IMPACT OF FLOODING ON

THE BUSINESSES OF THE STABROEK MARKET AREA, GEORGETOWN, GUYANA.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher would firstly like to express special gratitude to God for giving her the strength and

ability she needed to complete this SBA on time and with success. The explanations by the

researcher’s Geography teacher, Sir Lokesh whose guidance helped patch this project to make it

full proof was extremely valuable and helpful in the completion of this project. His suggestions

and instructions served as a major contributor to the success of this SBA.

The researcher would also like to thank her parents and friends who helped a lot in finalizing this

SBA within the time.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1

AIM OF STUDY ............................................................................................................................ 2

LOCATION OF STUDY ................................................................................................................ 3

MAP 1...................................................................................................................................... 4

MAP 2...................................................................................................................................... 5

METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................... 6

PRESENTATION OF DATA, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION ................................................ 7

CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 13

BIBLIOGRAPHY ......................................................................................................................... 14

APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................... 15
INTRODUCTION

Flooding is a natural feature of rivers and streams. It occurs when drainage channels exceed their

volume causing the river to overflow. The drainage channels then brink their banks and water enter

the surrounding land known as a floodplain to cause flooding. The Stabroek Market Area is widely

known as the biggest market location in Guyana, where many settlers provide the necessities to

make a living. The Demerara River often floods its banks in the lower course and it has a lot of

water flowing over the floodplain. The Stabroek Market Area is built on such a flat area and is

often flooded.

Businesses at Stabroek are constantly flooded during high tides. The frequency and duration of

these floods are unfavorable to businesses. Though this is not a new phenomenon for the Stabroek

Market, recently the regularity of the flooding and the level of the water in the market has

increased. As a CSEC Geography student who have close family and friends operating their

businesses at Stabroek, it is a great concern to identify and describe the causes and impact of the

constant floods at the location.

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AIM OF STUDY

To identify and describe the causes and impact of flooding on the businesses of the Stabroek

Market Area, Georgetown, Guyana.

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LOCATION OF STUDY

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MAP 1

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MAP 2

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METHODOLOGY

1. How data was collected?

- Data for this research was collected by the distribution of questionnaires (refer to

appendix 1) to the vendors and store owners of the Stabroek Market Area.

2. When was data collected?

- A trip was carried out on Friday, 16th, October, 2020 by the researcher from 10:00hrs

to 15:00hrs, since it was difficult to access vendors via an online platform.

3. Where data was collected?

- Data for the topic was collected from the vendors and store owners of the Stabroek

Market Area, Georgetown, Guyana.

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PRESENTATION OF DATA, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

High tides
28%
32%
Heavy raining

Piles used for construction

The heavy urbanisation of the

20% floodplain
20%

Figure 1: Pie Chart showing the major causes for flooding in the Stabroek Market
Area.

Figure 1 is a pie chart that displays the prime factors engendering flooding in the Stabroek Market

Area. It is noted that most respondents agree that high tide is the primary reason (32%). 28%

believe that flooding is triggered by the heavy urbanisation of the floodplain, while 20% believe it

is caused by heavy rainfall. As another key factor, 20% of respondents chose the piles used for

construction purposes.

The location of the Stabroek Market, as it is a floodplain, is directly linked to the floods. The

gradient is the same as the river. Georgetown’s development is happening at a fast pace;

urbanisation contributes to the replacement of permeable soil with an impervious layer of concrete.

Quarrying removes ground soil to accommodate construction piles that are drilled into the earth

and assists in lowering the market’s gradient (gentle gradient). The increasing volume and velocity

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of the water during floods are aided by high tides and heavy rainfall which results in pluvial

flooding due to decreased surface runoff and infiltration (caused by the impervious surfaces).

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 Options Tally Frequency Percentage

Increase rodents IIII 4 16%

Continuous erosion IIII II 7 28%

Disruption of drainage systems IIII IIII 9 36%

Uncomfortable stench IIII 5 20%

Total 25 25 100%

Figure 2: Table showing the environmental impacts that flooding had which
affected businesses in the Stabroek Market Area.
Figure 2 is a table illustrating the environmental consequences of flooding which affects businesses

around Stabroek Market. It is known that the majority chose disruption of drainage systems (36%).

28% suggests that continuous erosion is an influence of flooding in the area, whereas, 20% of

respondents said uncomfortable stench. The least amount of individuals suggests that rodents are

increased by the floods (16%).

In the event of floods, the velocity of the water transports and deposits garbage and sediments

which clog the narrow drains. With more garbage obstructing them, surface runoff becomes slow;

the main reason why the depth of the water remains high for days. Flooding causes erosion by

hydraulic action; this repeated sheer force of the water over the years slowly degrades the land

increasing the potential for floods. The sewer system backup causes pungent-smelling water to

accumulate in parts of the market as it is infused with faeces. Rodent infestations around the market

increase due to the overflow of sewers forcing rats above ground. Their urine and droppings

contain pathogens that transmit diseases to people. The unhealthy environment causes consumers

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to cease shopping in sections of the market which hinders sales greatly. This creates more problems

for businesses already trying to cope with the after-effects of flooding.

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Install water infiltration and attenuation systems Construction of barriers (levees and dams)
Sustainable drainage Dredging rivers

Figure 3: Column Chart showing the measures that should be implemented to

reduce flooding in the Stabroek Market Area.
Figure 3 is a column chart showing systems that can be introduced at Stabroek Market to decrease

flooding. 36% of respondents agree that constructing barriers (levees and dams) would be an

efficient way to minimize flooding. 24% agree that the installation of water infiltration and

attenuation systems will be a positive measure for flood mitigation. 24% also believe it would be

worthwhile to provide sustainable drainage, while 16% preferred the dredging of rivers.

Forms of flood control barriers include levees and dams. A levee is generally a compacted earthen

barrier. To mitigate the risk of damage downstream, dams store upstream floodwaters that are

released gradually. Attenuation reduces the risk of downstream flooding by slowing down the rate

at which surface water reaches sewers. The attenuation tank absorbs excess surface water runoff

from a flood and stores it. In urban areas like Stabroek, large areas of concrete and marbled

surfaces are impermeable to water, therefore rain is channeled directly into drainage systems.

Guidelines for sustainable drainage suggest that impermeable surfaces should be replaced with

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permeable material that allows the infiltration of water. Dredging is aimed to remove silt in the

river that builds upon its bed over time, to increase the river’s capacity to carry water downstream.

The approach usually involves the excavation or vacuum pump mounted on a barge or the river’s

bank.

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CONCLUSION

From the results of the investigation, the aim was acknowledged. Stabroek’s geographical location

coupled with frequently concentrated rainfalls and high tides are the major contributions for floods

in the area respectively. The impact of this calamity becomes severe since drainage systems are

easily overwhelmed with obstructing garbage, reducing the effectiveness of surface runoff. The

continuous erosion of the market by hydraulic action helps to increase the risk for flooding. The

sewage system poses significant health and economic problems since observations showed that it

was infused with faeces which drove away customers. When overflowed it forces rodents above

ground which can spread harmful diseases to people.

Research has shown that flood control barriers can prevent floodwaters from accumulating in the

market and back into the river. There is a need for water infiltration and attenuation systems as

well as sustainable drainage infrastructure to allow effective surface runoff. All in all, proper flood

management should not be ignored if the impacts of flooding at the Stabroek Market Area are to

be reduced.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Garrett Nagle, Paul Guinness, Simon R. J. Ross, Alison Rae, John Rutter, Knola Oliphant, Judy

Rocke, Adrian Wyllie. Geography for CSEC 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press, 2016.

Jeanette Ottley, Marolyn Gentles. Longman Geography for CSEC. Pearson Education Limited,

2006.

News, Kaiteur. "Stabroek Market closed because of spring tides flooding." Kaiteur News 1

October 2019.

News, Stabroek. "Some Stabroek Market vendors affected by flooding." Stabroek News 29

December 2019.

Rahil, Vohn A. M. Questions, New Caribbean Geography with Map Reading and C.X.C.

Caribbean Educational Publishers, 1999.

Wilson, Mark. The Caribbean Environment for CSEC Geography. Oxford University Press,

2016.

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APPENDIX
1916 Block C Herstelling
East Bank Demerara
16 October 2020
Ref: Cover letter for questionnaire
Dear Respondent
The researcher is an eleventh grade student of the North Ruimveldt Secondary, who will be
sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) in May/ June 2021. Each student
is required to do a field observation/ study as part of the Geography School Based Assessment
(SBA). With your help, the researcher will be able to complete her research on flooding in the
Stabroek Market Area.
The researcher is therefore asking for your kind cooperation in taking part by honestly placing a
tick in the blank boxes provided or by writing short answers where necessary.
For Example:
1. What is your sex?
Male Female
✓
All information will be confidential since no names are required. Thank you for your kind
cooperation.
Yours respectfully

Darshanie Persaud

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Place a tick in the boxes provided and write short answers where necessary.
1. What is your sex?

Male Female

2. What age group do you belong to?

25-34 45-54
35-44 55 and above

3. How long have you been operating your business around Stabroek Market?

Less than 5 years 11-15 years

5-10 years Over 15 years
4. What is the major cause for flooding in the Stabroek Market area?

High tides Piles used for construction

Heavy rain Heavy urbanisation of the floodplain

5. When warnings of possible flooding as a result of high tide are given to you, what do you
normally do?
Ignore warning Move stuff to higher ground
Stay and observe Secure items and stay away from area

6. In the event of floods, could you estimate the average speed that the water went to your
area? m/s (milliseconds)
0-0.4 m/s 1.5-2.5 m/s
5-1.4 m/s Don’t know

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 7. On average, what was the depth of the water that resulted after flooding? Cm (centimeter)
10-15 cm 26-35 cm
16-25 cm Above 35cm

8. Approximately how long did it take for the flood waters to leave your area?
Less than a day Three-four days
One-two days About a week

9. As a consequence of the flooding, what items were destroyed?

Fabric Fruits/ vegetables/ provisions
Groceries Meat

10. What is the state/ level of business activities during and after flooding?
Business is slow; less persons came out and shop
Business is usually normal
Since I don’t often come out to work when there are floods, I wouldn’t be certain
There are no sales

11. What environmental impact did the flooding had that affected your business?
Increase rodents Continuous erosion
Disruption of drainage systems Uncomfortable stench

12. What health risks/ sickness/ diseases did you contract due to the flooding?
Common cold & flu/ fever Reptile/ insect bites (snake,
mosquito)
Contracted diseases from food Respiratory diseases
And contaminated flood waters
13.
a) When there are floods who often offers assistance to you and your business?
City council Insurance
Government No one

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 b) What health assistance do you receive whenever there are floods?
Safety gears are distributed Medical outreach by personnel
Environment properly sanitized No health assistance is received

c) What social/ economic assistance do you receive whenever there are floods?
My losses are compensated Damaged premises are rebuilt
Temporary relocation for the No social/ economic assistance is
business is provided received

14.
a) Do you think that measures are being enforced to reduce flooding in the Stabroek Market
Area?
Yes No Not certain

b) What measure do you think can be implemented to reduce flooding in the Stabroek Market
Area?
Sustainable drainage Construction of barriers (levees, dams)
Install water infiltration and Dredging rivers
Attenuation systems

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