Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud yesterday met with members of a preparatory study mission from the Japanese Government who are here to follow up on support for the improvement of drainage and irrigation infrastructure of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC).

The team will also look at finalising rehabilitation of the EDWC and its associated drainage and irrigation structures.

Speaking at his Ministry headquarters in Georgetown, Persaud expressed appreciation for the support from the Japanese.

He said the support stems from the long and outstanding cooperation shared by the two countries.

The support is part of a Joint Declaration on Enhanced Cooperation in Environment and Climate Change issues between Japan and Guyana.

The declaration was signed by Japan’s Prime Minister, Mr. Shiazo Abe and President Bharrat Jagdeo on June 26, 2007.

Persaud said the US$6.7M project will augment government’s ongoing investment in the East Demerara Water Conservancy.

He lauded the work of the technical experts from Japan who are working closely with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to get the initiative off the ground.

In addition to the two week visit and final approval, Guyana stands to benefit from the procurement of equipment, earthen works with the EDWC and rehabilitation of critical drainage structures.

These include possible support for the construction of the Cunha Canal as government proceeds with the northern relief at Hope/Dutch Four to increase the discharge capacity of the EDWC.

The team is head by Executive Technical Adviser to the Director General of Rural Development Department (RDD) Mr. Goya Yoshiyuki.
The RDD is finalising the project for implementation.