Major D&I improvement in Region Five  

Georgetown, GINA, April 16, 2007.

 

Construction of an embankment along the Mahaicony Creek from Mora Point to First Savannah has been completed under a major drainage and irrigation (D&I) project that will enable more agricultural activities in Region Five.

This project is being done by the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) and will provide improved D&I for approximately 20, 000 acres of land located between the Mahaicony and Abary rivers. Mostly rice cultivation and cattle rearing are done in this area.

Initially, construction of an embankment from Mora Point to Gordon Table was targeted, but residents and farmers requested an extension to First Savannah, at which point the project will focus on lands leading towards the Abary Creek.

The machinery procured under the Guyana/Italy loan agreement are being used to carry out the project which will cost Government approximately $40M. 

General Manager of MMA Aubrey Charles, said recent rainfall experienced in the area has stalled the project which is already 60 percent into its work schedule. However, efforts will be made to complete it within the next six to eight weeks.

In the meantime, MMA is carrying out other D&I works in Region Five, including routine maintenance to the primary drainage system.

These works are part of Government’s D&I improvement programme for the country during this year. Other projects include construction of new sluices at Plaisance, Maria's Lodge and Meten-Meer- Zorg, repairs to sluices and structures at the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and Green Valley.

Government is also focusing on countrywide maintenance. The channels at Cane Grove/Mahaica, Grove/Haslington and Buxton are being excavated and the EDWC dam is being widened among other activities.