THE  impact of  La Nina phenomenon in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) is at a minimum and Regional Chairman, Mr. Zulphikar Mustapha, said over the last four days the region saw over six inches of rainfall, but was able to have the excess water drained off.
“All systems are in place and the Number 19 Village and East Canje areas were the only residential areas really affected, but the water was drained off in a timely manner,” he said.
As for the harvesting of crops, if the weather holds, all lands under cultivation will be drained off by Friday.
He stated that efforts are being made to mobilize all resources to ensure that residents, particularly the farmers, are not affected.
The Guyana Chronicle spoke to several residents in the region and the general consensus was a need to have the drainage systems regulated in a proper manner.
In the Black Bush Polder area, the complaint was that the water was being drained into one area, rather than making use of other channels to facilitate the distribution in an even manner.
The Polder itself has inadequate capacity for drainage and the water that is being drained through that area is taxing its systems and putting residents under strain.

Meanwhile, technical teams from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), as well as from central Ministry of Agriculture, have been spread out across the affected regions.
In addition, advisories have been published in the national newspapers, a further undertaking to ensure that those affected have the support needed.
Residents, especially farmers, have expressed appreciation for the support given, but have queried what assistance packages are being organized for those affected.
In an invited comment, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud said it is too early to make a decision on an assistance package, as an assessment of the impact of the excessive rains must be done first.