DURING the fourth Cabinet Outreach for the year, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds reassured the villagers of Foulis and Belladrum, Region 5, that Government is working to address drainage and irrigation concerns in communities recently affected by flooding, and urged residents to be patient, as the administration continues to make the necessary interventions.
Providing immediate responses and support to the Prime Minister at the outreach on Friday were Regional Chairman Harrinarine Baldeo, administrative staff of the Mahaica-Mahiacony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority, the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Yuri Chandisingh, and representatives of the Guyana Rice Development Board.
The two villages are located along the West Coast Berbice Highway, a naturally low-lying area affected by unusual rainfall and high tides. Cash crop farmers requested assistance to address drainage and irrigation issues.
As a result of the recurring nature of the problem in that area, where works are currently ongoing, it was noted that there is a need for more kokers, culverts and bridges to regulate the flow of agricultural drainage going into residential areas. Additionally, and as a response to the call for more house lots in the area, it was further noted that there needs to be a formalization of housing to separate agricultural land from residential areas, and that it is important in the construction of homes to make proper arrangements for the disposal of waste water.
The Prime Minister assured that the issue of drainage on the south side of the public road and the disposal of waste water on the north side will be addressed at Cabinet level.
In relation to concerns regarding farmers planting on reserves and dams (referred to as the middle walk), affecting access to other farming areas in the backdam, the Prime Minister noted, “The aim must always be to see how to work out good and bad features. Reports have been made that persons are planting on reserves. Based on investigation conducted by the MMA-ADA officials, there will be a resolution. Efforts will be put towards drainage and irrigation and this matter is to be investigated from an engineering perspective.”
Meanwhile, residents requested that specific attention be paid to the provision of sports facilities and employment opportunities for youths. The Prime Minister promised that these issues will be looked into, noting, “We are working on all fronts, we are encouraging you to take up particularly agriculture, and to be self employed.”
He also explained that through the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, youths have the opportunity to sign up for training programmes that will prepare them for employment in a variety of areas. Also available through the Ministry are loans for single parent women interested in starting their own small businesses. (GINA)