Sub-standard work by NDCs cause flooding in several communities- Region 5
Georgetown, GINA, February 10, 2008
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud today addressed residents’ concerns especially farmers in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) relating to the recent flooding in several communities due to heavy rainfall.
Minister Persaud said the main focus of his visit to the communities is to look at drainage and other interventions to help farmers in the Region.
Several farmers voiced their concerns and suggestions to further minimise flooding in the Region. However, Minister Persaud discovered that many of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are not functioning as expected.
After complaints made by the farmers, it was concluded that the sub-standard work by the NDCs contributed to most of the flooding in some communities.
The Minister expressed his frustration and noted that the Administration has been making substantial interventions to help NDCs countrywide and still there are many issues arising.
Minister Persaud told residents that they are the ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ for the NDCs and they have to take more proactive actions and not only when an issue arises.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud inspects the Trafalgar pump station during his drainage checks, West Coast Berbice.
The Minister urged members of the NDCs to be responsible and vigilant in their work. He said that this is the only way they can function effectively and many petty issues will be solved in the communities.
Most of the areas affected by the flood are low-lying areas.
“Our goal is to drain the water off the land as quickly as possible and as such the co-operation from the people is needed to ensure that drains and sluices are cleared”, Minister Persaud said.
Although the region was flooded, there were no devastating effects in the communities.
According to the Chairman of Mahaica/Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) Rudolph Gajraj, a lot of drainage work have been done in the region within the last four days which helped to decrease the water level tremendously.
Minister Persaud listens to a farmer’s concern at Bush Lot, Region Five (Mahiaca/Berbice)
Minister Persaud said that he is happy to see the water level is receding but noted that over the years the Drainage and Irrigation system has been changed. The Minister said that the Administration continues to look at ways to further improve the system.
Other issues raised by farmers were addressed by Minister Persaud who intervened to enhance the agriculture sector within the region. Minister Persaud also checked major canals, trenches and pump station in the region.
Several visits were made to residents’ homes whose cash crops and cattle were affected by the flood.
Tomorrow veterinarians will be making several checks as an immediate intervention by the Agriculture Ministry on affected cattle and livestock, Minister Persaud said.
The Minister held meetings with farmers at Novar, Belladrum, Lovely Last, Golden Grove, Bath Settlement, Trafalgar and Bush Lot.
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