– to accelerate receding of water in MMA
MINISTER of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy, after informing President Donald Ramotar that the Maduni sluice could be closed today, even though the targeted 58.3 GD water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) has not been achieved, took the decision to close the sluice at midday today. The action was taken in light of 36 hours of good weather and a forecast for continued good weather in the next 24 – 72 hours,  and to fast track receding of water from the seriously affected Mahaica/ Mahaicony/ Abary areas.
Minister Ramsammy said that yesterday morning the EDWC water level dropped below 58.45 GD.
On January 31, the Agriculture Ministry opened the Maduni sluice to drain water because the level in the conservancy had risen above the safe level, putting the integrity of the dams at stake.