I AM happy that the government has excavators and pumps in operation on the West Demerara. I belong to a farming community and know the importance of getting excess water off the land as quickly as possible. This is necessary especially at a time like this when we are experiencing uncertain weather patterns. Most of us are rice farmers and have already sown for the first crop this year; and I must commend the authorities for making sure that drains and canals are cleaned for drainage purposes.
The pump at the Windsor Forest koker is also useful, as it helps to get excess water off the land very quickly. Also, there are two excavators on pontoons at the Windsor Forest outfall engaged in desilting operations.
I want to thank the new Ministers of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and Ali Baksh for the good work they are doing since taking over agriculture. I think they have started out on the right footing by meeting with farmers and other interest groups and listening to their problems with a view to finding solutions.