NINTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA – FIRST SESSION (2006-2007)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

NOTICE PAPER NO. 127

Question No. (Q 99 Opp 98)

Member Asking: Mr. Anthony Vieira, M.P.

Minister Answering: The Minister of Agriculture,

Robert M. Persaud, MBA, MP

QUESTION

WATER LEVEL IN THE LAMA CONSERVANCY

• Could the Honourable Minister tell this National Assembly why the Lama Conservancy level is 556 GD?

• Is the Minister aware that the present low level of the Lama Conservancy is likely to negatively affect the upcoming rice and sugar crops?

• Is the Minister also aware that the present low level of the Lama Conservancy is likely to negatively impact on the supply of potable water to Georgetown?

• Can the Honourable Minister tell this National Assembly how he expects to replenish the low level of water level in the Lama Conservancy if there is no excessive rainfall?

 

ANSWER

• The level is of the conservancy is at 55.6 GD due to rainfall and runoff from the catchment area into the conservancy.

• A level of 55.6 GD is considered safe and water demand for both rice and sugar and Georgetown will be satisfied. At present the conservancy is replenishing itself and with the advent of the May/June rains the conservancy should have enough water stored to satisfy the upcoming rice and sugar crops. The level of 57.5 GD is targeted to be attained after the advent to the May/June rains of 2007.
• This did not occur. The problem was one of discoloration due to some works being carried out at the conservancy. The conservancy level was at lowest of 52.6 GD on March 4, 2007.

• A level of 57.5 GD is targeted to be attained at the completion of the May/June rains of 2007. The May/June rains, from the information I have, have never failed.

 

23-04-07

RMP