…while getting water off East Coast and East Bank Demerara more of a challenge
THE flood waters in the capital city have already receded as there was no rain yesterday, according to Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, while on a visit to several pump stations and flood affected communities along the East Coast of Demerara. However, getting the water off the lands on the East Coast and parts of the East Bank of Demerara remains a challenge, but the minister is assuring that the situation is still under control, as the government is making every effort in bringing relief to the people.
Minister Ramsammy, said in most areas in Region 6, the water is being drained off the land, while New Amsterdam remains under water. However, additional interventions are being made to tackle the situation there. In Region 3, there is still water on the land, in areas such as Canals Polder 1 and 2, while the same situation obtains in Region 2.
The drainage structures on the East Coast are said to be operating effectively, as was pointed out during the minister’s visit. In areas such as Bee Hive, Clonbrook, and Bare Root, the water is receding at a snail’s pace and is a cause for some concern.
This has been attributed to the non-operational Greenfield pump station that was constructed sometime in the 1980’s.
“We are now putting in a replacement pump for the first time, and while it is not operational as yet, we are looking to commissioning it sometime in March”, the minister said.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority will be working with the Regional Democratic Council to look at ways in which major rehabilitative works can be done on the sluice doors at Greenfield.
According to the minister, while the weather forecast for the next few days is not encouraging, efforts are being intensified to get the water off the land in order to accommodate additional rainfall should the rains persist. A meeting was convened last evening, as veterinary staff was deployed to the communities to tend animals affected by the flood water.
As the water goes away, animals will suffer from infections, and as such antibiotic, vaccines and molasses will have to be supplied to farmers.
While tremendous works are being carried out in working with the drainage system, the minister assured that works are also being carried out by the crops and livestock officers. Dr. Ramsammy said getting the support to farmers and minimizing losses are of paramount importance. The ministry is also assisting farmers in getting their livestock off the flooded areas and taken to higher lands. Seeds and fertilizer, among other support, will also be made available to farmers.
The issue of improper disposal of garbage is a major contributor to the flood situation in some areas, Minister Ramsammy contends. He is of the view that residents can complement the government’s efforts to tackle the issue of flooding by clearing their drains and avoiding reckless dumping of garbage. While all the officers are occupied with tackling the drainage structures, ensuring that they are fully functional, it is impossible for them to deal with cleaning drains and removal of garbage from the waterways.