Agriculture Minister mobilises interventions in Region Six
-following heavy rainfall

Georgetown, GINA, February 8, 2008

Government has intervened to bring fast drainage relief to several communities in Region Six, East Berbice, Corentyne, which are experiencing water accumulation as a result of intense rainfall over the past few days.
            Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud led a team of drainage and irrigation officials and regional personnel on several visits to affected areas including Port Mourant, Canefield, Adelphi Housing Scheme, Lancaster/ Hogstye and Black Bush Polder.
            Chief Executive Officer (ag.) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (ND&IA) Lionel Wordsworth and Regional Chairman Zulficar Mustapha were among those who accompanied the Minister during the visit.
The team met with residents and farmers to discuss ongoing efforts to enhance the discharge of accumulated water.
            At Port Mourant residents were told that a pump will be mobilised immediately by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to aid drainage in that area, while potable water is being provided to residents.
            In Black Bush Polder the ND&IA will undertake cleaning of over-hanging vegetation on the northern side of the Joppa outfall channel. Work is expected to commence tomorrow.
            Additionally, a mobile pump will be installed at Canje, while two others will be redeployed to neighbouring areas.
             At Canefield residents requested clearing of the ‘Pepper Sluice’ and Minister Persaud has urged that the work on this intervention start tomorrow.
            GuySuCo will undertake clearing of the channel since the ND&IA has already constructed the koker door.
            In several of the communities farmers and residents made recommendations for other drainage and irrigation activities which they suggested would enhance the system tremendously.
            Minister Persaud said engineers will be assigned to conduct follow up efforts and determine the feasibility of the proposed works.

            The Regional Administration, ND&IA and GuySuCo have taken a collaborative effort to ensure that there is effective drainage and irrigation in the communities.
            Farmers and residents acknowledge that heavy rainfall experienced in the region has caused the water to accumulate, hence the situation is being monitored as necessary arrangements are being put in place to bring immediate drainage relief, while additional efforts are being made to further improve the situation.

 

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