THERE is a definite need for the Hope Canal (new northern relief channel) at Hope/Dochfour on the East Coast of Demerara, which is expected to significantly boost the drainage capacity of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC). This point was reiterated yesterday by Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, who noted that the ongoing construction work on the new northern relief channel is expected to also provide relief to the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary and East Coast Demerara communities during periods of prolonged and heavy rainfall, as is currently being experienced.

“The Hope Canal alternative is clearly one we need and one which makes the management of the EDWC safer and more reliable for drainage and irrigation,” the Minister said.
Persaud and a technical team visited the conservancy late yesterday afternoon, in light of the high levels of water in the conservancy, which is currently being drained via the Lama and Maduni sluices into the Mahaica River.
The Agriculture Minister said once the Hope Canal is operational, expected in another 18 months, the use of the Lama and Maduni sluices will be minimized.
Currently, these sluices are draining the EDWC of the excess water which, up to 18:30 hrs last evening, measured over 58 GD (Georgetown Datum).
The EDWC capacity is 59GD and, on average, its levels range between 50GD and 57GD.   

MONITORED
Assuring that the levels are being monitored, the minister said the primary focus is to maintain the integrity of the conservancy dams. 
Persaud explained that all efforts are being made to ensure the dams do not experience any overtopping and added that the necessary equipment to support this effort have already been mobilized.
Up to yesterday, an excavator was dredging the conservancy and using that matter to further build the dams. A new dam cover was also built to support the integrity of the conservancy. This was an addition to the sandbags which were placed at several sections of the dam. 
Persaud pointed out that, at present, approximately 40 monitors are patrolling the conservancy both via boats and on foot. 
According to him, teams from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) are out to offer technical assistance to those officials monitoring the conservancy.
The Agriculture Minister acknowledged that the level of water in the conservancy is higher than it was during the devastating 2005 floods.
However, he noted that since 2005 there have been additional works done on the EDWC resulting in its capacity being increased and enhanced.
“There is more flexibly now,” he said.

PULL QUOTE:
‘The Hope Canal alternative is clearly one we need and one which makes the management of the EDWC safer and more reliable for drainage and irrigation.’ – Minister Robert Persaud