–La Nina to continue until month-end
PRICES for certain fruits and vegetables have now been doubled following the inclement weather currently afflicting most parts of Guyana. There have been reports of flooding in six of the country’s ten administrative regions, and according to an updated report from the Agriculture Ministry, issued on Friday,  La Nina phenomenon, with its numerous,  heavy downpours, will continue until the end of this month.
The Chronicle spoke with some fruit and vegetable vendors outside the Bourda Market yesterday afternoon, and found that many prices have been considerably increased because of weather conditions. Eschallot and celery, for example, previously obtainable at between $100 and $120 per pound, were now fetching $300 per pound. One vendor selling these seasonings predicted that the prices would climb higher.
Pumpkin was on sale at between $260 and $300 per pound, whereas it previously retailed at between $160 and $200. Five small bundles of bora were being sold for $400, whereas that amount was only recently selling for approximately $200.
Saime, (the green vegetable) was being sold for $300 a pound at some places, whereas it previously fetched a mere $160 per pound. The price per pound of ochro was double the usual amount. Tomatoes were being sold at $200 per pound, when the recent price was just $100. Watermelon, too, was on sale for double its usual selling price.
Though all the prices cannot be covered in this article, vendors told this publication that the prices for almost all of the fruits and vegetables have escalated dramatically.

Vendors plying their wares outside the Bourda Market mid-afternoon yesterday. (Photos by Sonell Nelson)

A vendor’s confession
But one female vendor said many vendors are merely embracing this opportunity to exploit purchasers. She said her prices have remained stable, and only a dire situation would see them increasing.

Regional situation
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Ministry on Friday reported flooding in Region 1 (Barima/Waini) in Hobadaia, Hopatai, Hotoquai, lower reaches of the Barima River, Aruka River, Aruau River, Karabo River and Lower Kaituma, Barisima to Imbotero, Unity Square, Black Water, Aruka, Central Lower Kaituma, Sacred Heart, Upper Sacred Heart, Upper Kariabou, Waini River (3rd lagoon), St John’s and Lower Moruca.
In Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam), areas in the Pomeroon River are flooded, and high water levels have been reported at Lima and Devonshire Castle, but water is receding along the coast.
In Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), flooding was reported in farming areas such as Canals Polder, Parika Back and Ruby Back.
In Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica), there are high water levels in low areas of the coast, such as Buxton, Bachelor’s Adventure, Ann’s Grove, Clonbrook, Belfield, Haslington, Paradise, Enterprise, Dazzell Housing Scheme, Hope/Dochfour, Clonbrook, Greenfield and Beehive.
Flooding has been reported in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) in areas such as Number Ten Village, Little and Big Biaboo, and Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks.
In Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne), extensive flooding has been reported at Number 19 Village, in farming areas in Whim, from Number 52 Village to Number 74 Village, and at Black Bush Polder.
There has been no report of flooding in Regions 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), 8 (Potaro/Siparuni), 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), and 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).
Meanwhile, water levels in Georgetown are reportedly high in Albouystown, Bel Air (village), Queenstown and South Cummingsburg, among several other areas.

Special advisory
The Agriculture Ministry yesterday disclosed that a special advisory continues to be issued for residents and farmers of Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary: “Please be advised that the Maduni Sluice has been opened (on) January 31, 2012. This has been done because the water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (had) risen above the safe level, and therefore the integrity of the dams (could not) be compromised.
“At this time, the water is being released into the savannah, and should not have an immediate impact on the level of water affecting residents. Should the rain ease, we hope to close the Maduni Sluice as soon as possible.
“As of 08:00hrs yesterday, the precipitation accumulation radar image for the last 24 hours indicated that showers were experienced along coastal locations. This image suggests that the values experienced ranged between 06 mm and 75 mm.
“Data collected so far from the rainfall stations indicates that N.W.W.C. Timehri recorded the highest thus far (of) 42.4mm. Other locations reported the following: Region 1, Port Kaituma recorded 20.2mm; Region 2, Onderneeming, 45.0 mm; Region 3, Uitvlugt, 18.6 mm; Region 4, Ogle, 21.0 mm; and Georgetown, 12.9 mm,” the statement said.