….farmers say canal clogged with shrimp weed aggravates flooding
FARMERS of Canal No. 1 Polder were yesterday able to highlight the plight they are currently experiencing due to the unusually heavy rainfall across the country. Minister within the Finance Ministry, Bishop Juan Edghill, as part of an ongoing fan out exercise by government officials, visited the area to get a first hand look and assessment of the situation.
The farmers said their major concern was the flooded canal and the slow pace at which the water is receding off the land. This situation has been attributed to the presence of shrimp weed in the canal which, according to farmers in the area, is preventing the water level in the canal from dropping.
They claim that the area has been under water since November last, and the recent heavy rainfall has only made matters worse. Farmers explained that even though there was a break in the rainfall for a period of three days, the water still remains on the land, causing loss of crops and livestock.
They are recommending that if the water from the canal is allowed to run to the koker at Goed Fortuin it will alleviate the problem. Another recommendation made by the farmers and residents is that the canal should be properly maintained and some even said that new canals should be dug to increase the drainage capacity. The idea of deploying an additional pump to the area is also being mulled.
While there, the minister, accompanied by farmers and members of the Regional Democratic Council, also visited the Boerasarie Conservancy which is at a stable level.
Minister Edghill also visited several residences to assess the situation and listen to the concerns of the residents. Among the areas visited were the Sansouci dam, Studley Park/ West and Goodlands. He also inspected the koker at La Grange, which is fully functioning.
After listening to the concerns of the farmers and residents, the minister assured that it will be reported to Cabinet today, after which action will be taken to bring relief to them. While there, he also contacted the Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran, via his cellphone, to deal with the issue of health risks, and a team will be in the area shortly to look into the matter. The minister also promised to return to the area on Thursday to meet with farmers.
The government will be assisting farmers to recover their losses as was done in the past whenever similar situations occurred. However, an assessment will have to be carried out first.
Citizens are being advised that the La Nina weather phenomenon will persist until the end of March, during which time heavy downpours will occur.