Ministry of Agriculture of Guyana

Georgetown, GINA May 27, 2007

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud today inspected drainage and irrigation facilities in Region Six and observed that they were operating efficiently.

The Minister visited several pumps, sluices, kokers and outfall channels in Bholam, and the Chesney and Adventure outfalls at Number 19 Village.This area is usually vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfall because of its geographic layout.Minister Persaud said the recent rainfall particularly in low areas in Region Six over the past few days, recorded 1.5 to 2.5 inches and resulted in accumulation. Mainly internal drainage systems controlled by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) were affected. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the regional administration have been given the necessary support to make adjustments. Two pumps which were recently installed at a cost of about $100M are in operation at the Chesney outfall which also provides drainage and irrigation for GUYSUCO cultivation land.Minister Persaud also disclosed to Chesney fishermen that government will be constructing a boat landing to accommodate fishing vessels since the current situation can cause damage to the sluice. In the Number 52 and 74 Villages, some farmers have not yet harvested their crops because of the level of water in the channels. The Minister is urging farmers to ensure they adhere to harvesting schedules.“I think the systems are working well. We still need to keep alert and be vigilant throughout the rainy season,” Minister Persaud said.Commenting on the situation in the Mahiaca, Mahaicony, Abary (MMA) Creek, he said the water levels have risen and a strict monitoring programme has been implemented where engineers are stationed to oversee the situation. At present, water is being discharged via the Kofi outlet and the Land of Canaan outdoor sluice.Minister Persaud said that approximately six to seven inches of rainfall were recorded in the upper reaches of the MMA creek. Embankments which were constructed to protect agricultural land in Mahaicony are helping to prevent flooding. Some residential areas may however, be affected.The Minister inspected the Seawell, Fyrish Canal, Lancaster drainage sluice, Adventure outfall and Number 43/Joppa outfall where a pump is installed.

The Minister was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the NDIA Ravi Narine, representatives of the Guyana Rice Project Management Unit (GRPMU), the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), Director of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) Oudho Homenauth and regional engineers.