CHIEF Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority [NDIA], Mr. Lionel Wordsworth has said that work is in progress to clear the Devonshire Castle outfall channel in order to efficiently drain flood waters from rice fields and swollen canals.According to the CEO, the APNU/AFC Coalition has responded swiftly to the situation and through the NDIA has dispatched a pontoon with two excavators to clear blocked sluice channels on the coast.

He said the channel of the La Union sluice was cleared and water is now flowing into the Atlantic Ocean at a much faster rate. Reports said residents of Queenstown who are experiencing flooding caused by the current heavy rainfall are expected to get relief in light of the sluice channel that is now cleared.

Meanwhile, the sluice channel at Devonshire Castle was cleared several times by the excavators on the pontoon in the Atlantic Ocean through the NDIA but sling mud always returned quickly and blocked the channel which causes serious flooding of rice fields in the backlands whenever the rainy season starts.

During the last rainy season two mobile pumps were put into operation next to the sluice by NDIA to pump water that had affected the rice crop and residential areas.

However, mobile pumps are in operation at Anna Regina, Devonshire Castle, and La Union.
Another pump is currently being installed at Taymouth Manor near the sluice to help pump excess rainfall water into the Atlantic Ocean so residents can get relief quickly. Many residents are thanking the Government for its prompt attention to address the flood situation of rice fields and swollen canals on the Essequibo Coast.

By Rajendra Prabhulall