Dredging of Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary Creeks still being pursued  - as part of Gov’t efforts to combat climate change effects

Georgetown, GINA, September 20, 2007.

Government remains firm in its commitment to ensure that necessary mechanisms are in place to alleviate the risk of flooding during excessive rainfall which has been affecting the country during recent years.
Dredging of the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary creeks in Region Five was outlined as part of a long-term plan by the administration to combat the effects of climate change and protect residents from flooding. Heavy rainfall over the past two years has contributed to swelling of these creeks that resulted in overtopping into residential areas and farmlands located along the route.
In response to Government’s ‘International Appeal’ for critical interventions following the disastrous 2005 flooding, the Government of Venezuela indicated its willingness to explore the possibility of dredging the three creeks.
Subsequently, surveys were conducted by a team from the Venezuela Hydrographic Service last October and included studies of the creeks’ depths to determine the level of sediments. Studies were also done on the current, tides, waves and water quality.
            Information from the studies was taken back to Venezuela for input into modules, both mathematical and physical for assessment. The evaluation aspect was done by the Venezuela Dredging National Institute
            While paying a courtesy call on Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud today, Venezuela Ambassador to Guyana, Dario Morandy assured of his state’s commitment to the project. He indicated that all the necessary studies have been completed and the project is awaiting the implementation stage through which discussions are ongoing between the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela to finalise the arrangements.
            There has been an indication that efforts are being made to start the dredging before December, 2008. A previous estimation to dredge the creeks was valued at US$5M per creek.
            Several other activities that were outlined as part of Government’s long-term plan to minimize the threat of heavy rainfall have already been realised. These include rehabilitating two of four large drainage pumps located at Trafalgar, West Coast Berbice which were non-functional since the 1980s. These pumps were repaired and a new generator installed at a cost of $53M to enhance drainage in the Region Five area.
            Another intervention by government included the procurement of more than $700M in agricultural machinery and equipment that are currently being used to enhance drainage in Region Five.
            In other regions, more than 15 heavy-duty excavators were deployed and are being used to empolder farmlands and excavate canals.
            Meanwhile, other areas of agricultural support were facilitated in discussion between Minister Persaud and Ambassador Morandy including sourcing of fertilisers from Venezuela to help address the rising cost of this input in Guyana.
The increasing cost of fertilizer, caused by the global situation, is affecting the cost of production of various agricultural crops especially rice and Government has been exploring various ways of addressing the situation.
Initial actions resulted in the exemption of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from fertilizer while other suppliers were being encouraged to bring down the cost.
This is part of Government’s commitment to ensure that agriculture maintain its place in the economy and continue to grow.   

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