CHAIRMAN of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed yesterday that there have been no major instances of flooding, as all the drainage systems are operational and working at full capacity. He told the Guyana Chronicle in a telephone interview yesterday that the only major concern, at this time, is the Number 19 Public Road.
Mustapha said most of the rice cultivations are currently waterlogged due to the incessant rainfall over the past two weeks, a situation which is proving problematic for the farmers.
“Right now, the dams are impassable because of the heavy rains. So the farmers cannot get into the fields to access the paddy,” he reported.
Mustapha said, every year, the planters receive assistance from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to clear the dams that facilitate easy access to their farms but, because of the heavy rains recently, the works have been delayed.
In this regard, he said a $4M contract has been awarded to carry out the rehabilitation.
“In the Numbers 52 and 74 villages, there are large dams and we would assist the farmers in clearing them but, right now, the works have been delayed,” Mustapa said,
He said, however, that, so far, the situation in the region remains under control and he is optimistic that the weather will improve so that clearing of the dams could begin.
Meanwhile, Chairman for Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Mr. Julius Faerber has revealed that several areas have been affected by heavy rains.
They include sections of Canal Numbers One, Two and Three, West Bank Demerara; Met-en-Meerzorg, West Coast Demerara and Parika Back Dam, East Bank Essequibo.
“Only those areas have been reporting flooding but our drainage and irrigation team are in full effect to clear these flooded areas,” he assured.
Faerber gave the assurance that the situation is being monitored on a 24- hour basis to avert any major floods.
“Our sluicing activities are continuing and we remain optimistic that the water will recede even though, at this time, it is draining off slowly,” he said.