Improved D&I in Region Ten
more interventions to be made

Georgetown, GINA, December 26, 2007.

Government’s investments in drainage and irrigation have resulted in improvement in many areas including Region Ten, where approximately $73M was spent this year to carry out D&I works.
            Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud during a visit to the Region today to inspect D&I explained that the works included both maintenance and several capital projects. These were implemented through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Regional Administration and various farmers’ and community groups.
The Minister was accompanied by NDIA Engineer Dave Hincks and officials of the Regional Administration.
            Among the projects undertaken this year were clearing of Hymara and Cacatara Creeks at a cost of approximately $2M, excavation of a main canal at Speightland and Whitewater Creek in Canvas City.
Additionally, approximately $3.8M was spent to construct concrete drains downhill from Half Mile, Wisroc, passing through Green Valley and into New Silver City. Prior to construction, the previous drains were deteriorated and resulted in erosion of the roadway.
            Clearing of main canals that drain water from various farmlands was also carried out in West Watooka while other improvements were done to various D&I structures including widening of culverts to ensure greater flow.
During the inspection of these areas, it was observed that there was efficient drainage while residents, farmers and regional officials informed the Minister that despite the occurrence of persistent rainfall over the past weeks, there has not been any major problem with D&I. They expressed satisfaction with the works done and made recommendations for other areas to be addressed.
Minister Persaud assured that the improvements will continue in the Region and more resources will be made available for such projects especially since there have been increased agricultural activities requiring continuously enhanced D&I.
He noted that a lot of emphasis continues to be placed on the agricultural areas particularly during the current rainy season. Efforts are also being mobilized through the NDIA to address the situation at the Kara Kara Creek where there was a landslide resulting in a section of the waterway being blocked.
One of the key areas, the Minister pointed out is maintenance to ensure that the system remains effective following major capital works. Reference was made to the role of the Regional Administration and various communities and farmers’ group in this process.
In addition, the Community D&I Programme being implemented through the Ministry of Finance was highlighted as an important component of efficient maintenance of the D&I system.
Minister Persaud pointed out that ensuring effective D&I require a national effort and called on Regional Administrations, community/farmers/ groups and individuals to cooperate especially when dealing with the rainy season. He lauded the support of Region Ten residents and farmers in this effort.
Reference was made to the countrywide situation particularly the coastal areas that are being closely monitored and necessary interventions being made to address situations that may arise from time to time.
Close attention is being given to East Coast Demerara and the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC). There have been reports of increased water levels in these locations and at the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks as a result of recent intense rainfall. Several areas in Regions Two, Three and Five have been affected too.
Engineers and teams of other technical personnel are assessing the situation countrywide and are constantly reporting to the NDIA. Residents are being urged to play their role by desisting from activities that can hamper the D&I system such as dumping of garbage into drains.

more bulletins