Georgetown : President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Chief Executive Officer Lionel Wordsworth and Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary/Agricultural Development Authority, General Manager Rudolph Gajraj visited several areas in Regions Four and Five where they interacted with farmers and residents. During the meetings yesterday at several points in Flagstaff, Hope, Perth Baiboo (little and big), Cottage and Mahaicony Branch Road several interventions were highlighted and suggestions raised with the aim of ensuring that farmers and residents work collaboratively with Government.
According to a Government Information Agency release, residents and farmers were given the assurance by President Ramotar of the Administration's commitment to ensure that their livelihoods are protected. This will see the continued deployment of equipment by all sub-agencies and the distribution of fuel to farmers to assist in the pumping of water off the land and the desilting of canals.
The level of water in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), was at a threatening level and the Agriculture Ministry is calling on all relevant authorities to remain vigilant. While there has been no reported cases of breach thus far to the dam of the conservancy, Minister Ramsammy has reported that the height at the EDWC as of last evening was at 58.6 GD . The Maduni sluice is opened at low tide to drain water from the EDWC.
Ramsammy said that while water has receded in several areas the situation in the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary areas is more acute.
“Right now our struggle is to save the rice crops and we are working with farmers to do so. Cash crops like in Black Bush and Canal have been lost and we are working now to ensure that animals and rice are protected,” Minister Ramsammy assured.
In this regard, 12 excavators are currently deployed in the Mahaicony/Mahaica areas to assist in emergency works. Similar interventions are being undertaken throughout the country.
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