-monitoring and critical interventions ongoing
Notwithstanding heavy rainfall, there were no major reports of flash flooding taking into consideration that the drainage and irrigation system is designed for 38.1mm of rainfall but was able to cope with an average 63.5 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours.
This is a result of preparations undertaken for the rainy season and ongoing interventions by the Ministry of Agriculture through its various agencies, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (ND&IA), Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), as well as the regional administrations and local government authorities.
According to the Hydrometeorological Service, we are in the rainy season; periods of heavy downpours are likely, especially during the early morning hours throughout July. In addition, the spring tide warning which is in effect comes to an end on July 17, 2010.
Hence, the Ministry is urging residents and farmers in vulnerable areas along the coast and riverine communities to be alert during this period.
Also, all RDCs and NDCs are asked to be alert in the monitoring of the drainage infrastructure. The Ministry’s NDIA will continue to work closely with farmers and residents during this period.
In an effort to continue its aggressive programme and to make timely and necessary interventions, the NDIA has mobilized its resources and personnel to various parts of the country. In Region Two, most of the outfall channels have now been cleared and the Ituribisi conservancy, which is now full to capacity, is releasing water at Riverstown. Desilting is being done at C1/C6 and Good Hope areas and there were no reports of flooding.
In Region Three, because of the tide lock mechanism on sluice doors, some areas experienced accumulation of water. However, as soon as the tide ebbed and sluice doors were opened, water quickly receded.  At present, Blankenburg west sideline is being excavated, while a koker at Canal No.1 has been cleared. The Canals Polder were recently earmarked for major drainage works which have resulted in improved drainage to farmers and
residents.
In Region Four, while the interventions are targeting affected areas, these have assisted in the removal of flood waters. Interventions included the installation of a mobile pump at Diamond, and an excavator was deployed to Friendship and Kaneville. Two tubes were installed at the latter, along with a
self acting door, while a tractor pump was installed at Craig. Engineers are currently in the region making assessments and looking at other possible interventions. In preparation for the rainy season, the NDIA had cleared key outfall channels such as Little Diamond, Kunia and Garden of Eden, which have assisted in getting water off the land.
Work was also done on the East Coast of Demerara at Hope Estate, where excavation works are taking place. All outfall channels are cleared, while work is ongoing to dredge the Buxton outfall.
In Region Five, excavating, building embankments and empoldering in Mahaicony and assisting farmers with two days work so as to facilitate continued agricultural activity continued, while in Mahaica, the right and left flood embankments were being built. Empoldering is ongoing at Little
Biabu and a new drainage structure is completed at Jeenarine Canal.
In Region Six, mobile pumps were deployed at Seawell, Borlam, Whim, Liverpool, No. 43 and Eversham. All outfall channels have been cleared with excavation works completed in many of the farming areas.
In Region Ten, works are being undertaken at Coomacka Creek. The excavators with pontoon recently dredged the Kara Kara Creek.
An NDIA engineer was also deployed to Rockstone to make an assessment of area due to intense rainfall.
(GINA)