-$20M being spent in D&I works
Government continues to invest in the improvement of drainage and irrigation systems countrywide, towards reducing the effects of flooding and to boost agricultural production.
Residents of ‘B’ Field Sophia are benefiting from drainage enhancement interventions, as Government continues to place major emphasis on the development of key drainage structures.

Yesterday Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud inspected canal clearing by the Ministry’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), at ‘B’ Field Sophia. Five hundred and fifty-four rods are being cleared at a cost of $20M.
Minister Persaud, interacting with residents who turned out in numbers to express gratitude for the intervention, said that it is the Administration’s agenda to ensure that the city’s drainage structures remain functional.
He noted that the City Council has been unable to carry out works in the area; and as such, the Ministry decided to intervene. Due to the topography of the land, the area is prone to flooding during intense rainfall.
“We came to assist because they (residents) were not getting the requisite support from the City Council, so the primary aim is to bring relief to the community as much as we can”, the Minister said.
He indicated that drainage works in that section of the city falls under the M&CC; but noted that the Administration will again assist the community in having proper drainage, especially during the rainy season.
In excess of $150M was also spent on the rehabilitation of two pumps at Kitty and Liliendaal.
According to the Agriculture Minister, the additional intervention carried out in the area will also synchronise with the ‘Grow more food campaign’. The Ministry has been encouraging urban communities to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Residents have from time to time been receiving agricultural supplies to do this. (GINA)