I am a resident of the Ann’s Grove/Douchfour community and after noticing an article in the Kaieteur Newspaper titled “Ann’s Grove residents blame negligence for flooding – sluice at Greenfield now being cleared” dated Sunday May 23, 2010, I would like to make a few comments. Let me begin by saying that clearing of the outfall channel at Greenfield began a week ago since the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has invested in a pontoon and two excavators to clear all outfall channels.
In addition, to support residents and farmers living in the area, the NDIA responded immediately by installing an additional pump in order to enhance the drainage capacity of the area. About a month ago before the rainy season, the approach to the outfall channel was also cleared which is a major drainage improvement in the area.
With regard to a resident’s claim that more work could have been done during the dry period, clearing of the outfall channel would not have been beneficial during the dry period since the dredged sections could not have been maintained to allow for gravity flow because of minimal water in the drainage system. Therefore, flushing and maintaining of dredged sections of the outfall channel would not have been possible because of the high rate of siltation as is the case with coastal sluices especially in areas such as these which would have resulted in the outfall silting up again.
I have learnt that the NDIA has embarked on a major project to construct a new drainage pump station at Greenfield whereby two high capacity drainage pumps will be installed which would serve the area during tide lock periods. Recently, two new sluice doors were also installed at Greenfield while rehabilitation of the crown dam from Hope to Greenfield and three intake structures were completed.
The NDIA through its community drainage and irrigation project is working with three farmers’ groups from Ann’s Grove, Bee Hive, Greenfield, Douchfour and Two Friends areas in order to maintain and clean 16,000 rods of canals and drains which would assist in the free flow of water.
Dredging of pump basins at Triumph, Strathspey,and Enmore were also undertaken. In addition, I have learnt that the NDIA has earmarked other critical outfall channels for dredging inclusive of Hope, Belfield, Victoria, Golden Grove and Buxton which will commence shortly.
I have also learnt about a contingency plan by the NDIA to ensure that the livelihood of residents and farmers are protected during this rainy season