MORE rains can be expected throughout the festive season, the Hydrometeorological office (Hydromet) has reported.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon, at a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President yesterday said that Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud reviewed the various components of the flood control and water management system that would be employed during the rainy season.

These components, gravity dependent and mechanical, have been activated to address likely events at all levels, particularly at Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), municipalities and the regions.

Attention has been directed to the water conservancies, outfalls, the state of preparedness of mechanical training systems (pumps, and electrical and mechanical supplies) and the integrity of the sluices and kokers.

Dr. Luncheon said that the assessment given to Cabinet by the Minister is that “we are prepared.”

Cabinet is committed to carefully monitoring situations, particularly in cases where it might pose threats to food security.
Government has been making numerous interventions including dispatching of equipment to boost regional capacity and distribution of food packages to bring relief to residents directly affected by flood which has been caused by heavy rainfall coupled with spring tide in hinterland and riverain communities. Its overall relief effort since the El Nino period goes beyond $43M. (GINA)