– Minister Persaud delivers on commitment
MINISTER of Agriculture, Robert Persaud has delivered on his commitment to implement major drainage projects totalling in excess of $115M following meetings with farmers in the Buxton/Friendship Community.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), has begun carrying out these and other projects in the area and has so far completed eight, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA).
At a previous meeting with the farmers, a commitment of $47M was made by Minister Persaud to assist private sugarcane farmers and residents in the community.
Four projects are ongoing as a result of the promise including the rehabilitation of major drainage and irrigation canals in Friendship/Buxton, construction of revetment within the Buxton pump basin and construction of a timber bridge at Buxton Company across the CNC canal.
The construction of the timber bridge was considered after a request by private sugarcane farmers for assistance in accessing farms and providing a route for transportation.
The revetment within the pump basin has been completed and a clearing exercise is being undertaken at the Buxton West Sideline which will benefit more than 100 private sugarcane farmers from the Buxton area.
Just recently, the Buxton outfall was dredged and in addition, a yearly contract was awarded to ensure the payment of the mobile pump operators and watchmen of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
These projects totalling in excess of $52M are part of the NDIA’s master plan to ensure communities and farmers are protected from the ills of climate change by strengthening the drainage infrastructure.
These works included the rehabilitation of the Buxton pump basin, construction of revetment along the Buxton Company canal, excavation works within Buxton and Friendship, mechanical cleaning of the Buxton Company canal from CNC to Pond Dam Bridge, provision of all tools, equipment and labour for the mechanical excavation of the Buxton and Friendship canals, rehabilitation of the 400 rods on Crown Dam between Strathspey and La Reconnaissance, rehabilitation of four intake structures and rehabilitation of Buxton sluice doors.
In the past, the Buxton/Friendship community has been severely affected during heavy rainfall prompting the Ministry’s NDIA to make it a priority area with extensive emergency works being undertaken.
The Agriculture Ministry says it will continue to work closely and provide necessary support to farmers and the Buxton/Friendship community.
It is expected that with the improved drainage system in place, there will be increased acreages of fruits, vegetables, citrus and ground provisions. This initiative by the Ministry is part of its “Grow More” drive.
Farmers from the Buxton/Friendship area have commended the Ministry for its assistance in a massive clearing exercise which has encouraged them to go back to the land. The Ministry had also provided assistance with clearing, ploughing, seeds and fertilizer.