March 24, 2008
MEDIA RELEASE
Ministry of Agriculture continues to support overtopped Sea Defence affected communities
The Ministry of Agriculture has been supportive of the work of the Ministry of Public Works and other agencies in responding to problems caused by the overtopping of the sea defence at Montrose / Vryheids Lust and Better Hope area.
From early Friday, the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and Guysuco were deployed to spearhead interventions to bring quick drainage to the flooded areas.
Excavator equipment as well as technical support were deployed to the affected areas to carry out much needed works which included the excavation of 300 rods of façade drains which aided in the collection of overtopped water and channel it to the Montrose Drainage Pump.
In addition, the NDIA in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works dismantled illegal structures on reserves that were impeding drainage. Several inadequate culverts were also replaced with new and larger ones to improve the drainage of the area. As a result, when there was the tidal overtopping the water was removed much faster. 
(Minister Persaud meeting with residents and highlighting interventions being undertaken to
assist affected residents)
Also, the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Robert M. Persaud has been in the area everyday since early Friday morning working along with his colleague Minister of Public Works, Hon. Robeson Benn and other Ministers with guidance and made on the spot decisions such as clearing encumbering drainage canals and additional outlets to remove the Atlantic Ocean water as quickly as possible.
Further, although the area is not an established farming community, Minister Persaud deployed the Ministry’s Extension Service to carry out an assessment of residents who may need advice and supply for their affected crops and livestock which may be affected.
(a resident benefiting from the distribution exercise of seeds and oral veterinary supplies)
Today, a team of Veterinary Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture distributed veterinary supplies (oral) and seeds to residents of the Montrose/VryheidsLust/Better Hope area whose livestock and crops were affected. A vaccination exercise to target affected livestock will also commence tomorrow, while technical officers will also be available to provide assistance and guidance.
SPECIAL ADVISORY
Businesses and residents whose structures were removed as part of the drainage relocation and improvement in the Montrose/Vryhieds Lust/Better Hope area must first seek permission and receive an approved design from either the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority or the Ministry of Public Works Road Division
The NDC or any other body is not allowed to issue any permit for these structures unless they have been cleared by the central government agencies
Meanwhile, the Ministry’s NDIA will continue to support the implementation of the Ministry of Public Works’ mandate to clear road and other reserves which are encumbering the road ways and limiting effective drainage of residential and farming communities across the country.
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