THE recent remarks by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) are both callous and disparaging. Though I am a resident on the East Coast of Demerara, I can clearly see that such an investment by government will encourage investment and development in the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary areas as well as the East Coast communities.

I could still remember the 2004/2005 floods that destroyed wantonly crops, property and the livelihood of persons. Guyana is below sea level and is susceptible to the ills of climate change. Government has recognized this fact and is reacting positively to improve the lives of its citizens. The Hope/Dochfour Project is one of these investments to mitigate those conditions.

The GHRA was at pains to denounce this good investment but what of the persons living in the MMA areas and the East Coast of Demerara! It would seem that the remarks made are politically inclined or motivated since thousands of farmers and residents would benefit, not only from the MMA areas but the East Coast of Demerara.

The GHRA speaks of “formidable technical problems, immensely expensive and not the best option” but these remarks are but a fallacy since proper feasibility studies were carried out, a large group of persons would benefit from this project and it is the best option. Must every developmental project be subjected to politics? I do believe that the GHRA is looking for cheap publicity instead of looking at the bare facts. Which group of persons, especially the GHRA would not support an investment that would benefit thousand of persons.

This project is both commendable and welcomed as Guyana gears for climate change. The government has also been doing much work with regard to improving the drainage and irrigation systems which including enhancing the conservancies. The Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority has been carrying out its work programme in a commendable way as more resources and financing are being pumped into this sector.

As I continue my daily life, I as well as many others wish to see this project go forward as government continues to develop and enhance the lives of its citizens.