Linden is outside the purview of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA); but Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, realising that critical works are needed there, has decided to extend some of the NDIA services to the Region.
During a recent meeting with farmers and other stakeholders at the Linden Constabulary building, the Agriculture Minister announced that an excavator will be deployed from the East Coast of Demerara to Linden in August to perform some of the much needed drainage works.
He however lamented the recent vandalism on two occasions of a previous excavator in the region, which the Agriculture Ministry sought to repair but was told by the Machinery Corporation (MACORP) that it is beyond rehabilitation.
The Ministry also intends to improve the dredging capacity in the region and has engaged in discussions with stakeholders in the mining sector to convert one of the cutter edge dredges specifically for outfall channel works.
“One of the biggest issues here (Linden), in addition to the internal works, is the creek. We have to ensure that they flow,” Minister Persaud said.
Works of a similar nature have been executed in Nottinghampshire; but according to Minister Persaud, much more is needed.
Over the last two years, the Ministry of Agriculture has placed significant emphasis on drainage, investing $100M to support the Community Development Councils (CDC) and other regional bodies.
Government’s focus on improving drainage and irrigation in Linden dates back to February 2006, when a massive project was launched, aimed at creating employment for over 500 residents.
The project was conceptualised by President Bharrat Jagdeo after interacting with people across the country who were seeking jobs and who had expressed reservations about the state of drainage and irrigation in their respective communities.
In November of that same year, a number of projects were undertaken through a joint initiative of the Guyana Government and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Among these was the construction of a 600-foot concrete drain which served to alleviate drainage woes experienced by residents of Wismar. (GINA)
