Systems in place to avoid floods
-Agriculture Minister meets MMA Farmers

Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007

All systems are in place to reduce the possibility of flooding along the coastland during the upcoming rainy season, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said during a meeting with farmers of Mahaica and Mahaicony yesterday.
The meeting was one in a series planned by the Minister to alert farmers on preparations for the December rainy season.
Four additional excavators have been deployed in that area to supplement the routine drainage maintenance works done by the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA). In addition, the waterways are to be sprayed to remove weeds and other vegetation that may hinder drainage.
“We can’t do anything about the rains,” Minister Persaud said, “but what we can do is to work together to ensure that we take the necessary precautions and that the systems we have are working and the support that we provided before, during and after, continue.”
The Minister further stated that over US$100M is needed to address all the problems in the area, “some of which” he said, “were around forever.”
The works in the Mahaica/ Mahaicony area are part of the national programme in preparation for the expected prolonged rainy season. Besides the excavation works in progress, Government will spend a further $40M to ensure the integrity of the drainage system.
Farmers reported that some dams were breached while some kokers needed repairs to keep water off the land. The Minister advised that The MMA/ADA’s equipment be used to effect the necessary repairs. Four drainage tubes valued at about $1M are to be sent to the Mahaicony area to assist with the drainage programme.
Residents were informed that an excavator will be made available to assist with drainage work for their homesteads to protect their homes from flooding.
Some of the recommendations put forward by farmers could not be immediately entertained because of budgetary constraints and the availability of equipment to complete the works before the rains begin. However, the Minister said that their suggestions will be noted and the feasibility of these works will be examined.
A project to improve the drainage for the areas between Hyde Park and Bara Bara in Mahaicony, estimated to cost about $20M is to be budgeted for next year.
Residents of Mahaica expressed gratitude to the Minister for the road which is now completed.
The Minister assured residents that Government would do everything possible to make life comfortable for them.
The Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Scheme was developed particularly for agricultural purposes. The main agricultural activities are rice, cattle and cash crop farming. The major problem affecting the community since its establishment over thirty years ago has always been flooding.

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