– Minister Robert Persaud
The Ministry of Agriculture, Saturday, received the Draft Design Report of the $3B East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) Northern Relief Channel at Hope/ Doch Four, East Coast Demerara.

Mr. Raymond Latchmansingh hands over the draft design report to Agriculture Minister Mr. Robert Persaud in the presence of DDI officials.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud said the report will be subjected to rigorous scrutiny by the Technical Oversight Team.

Drainage is of paramount importance to Guyana since the country is below sea level. In light of this, Government has been adopting measures to ensure that Guyana is not faced with disastrous floods.

Minster Persaud highlighted that the draft final document is a significant direction for the Government and people of Guyana.

Improving the infrastructure in the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary areas has been cited as one of the best means of addressing some of the hardships residents face, particularly during the rainy season.

Both local and international experts indicate that an additional outlet from the EDWC is required.

The Draft Final Report and Design: “Engineering Design of East Demerara Water Conservancy Northern Relief Structure (Hope/Doch Four)”, was presented by Managing Director of Cemco Incorporated, Raymond Latchmansingh, to Minister Persaud.

Mr. Latchmansingh said that the draft report outlines two options for consideration: the shallow outfall channel/ high crested weir and deep outfall channel/ low invert sluice.

Minster Persaud noted that the draft will be scrutinised to ensure that the work done is consistent with the objective of the Government.

He said this project will bring immense social and economic value by reducing the discharge of water causing flooding.

The Ministry has already awarded contracts for the procurement of close to 16 excavators to support the exercise.