A SOURCE disclosed to me that there was no rainfall when the Airy Hall breached occurred, as a rice farmer had tampered with the main conservancy dam (cut) and the water started to gush through the dam causing erosion and flooded some 200 acres of young rice on the southern section. This matter was reported to the Regional Chairman before the breach took place about three weeks ago; according to rice farmers, he failed to act in a timely manner, which caused the flooding. Editor, the northern section has a dam which separated the north from the southern section of the rice estate, the northern section can be seen dry with no rice being flooded or affected

The Chairman has misled the government and the Minister of Agriculture that the flooding was caused by heavy rainfall, The next day he mobilised a contractor without any kind of heavy-duty machinery and knowledge of construction to seal the breach which was poorly done, primarily with marsh causing the dam to be washed away overnight for the second time, flooding the entire southern section going towards the housing areas. A second contractor was hired to drive piles alongside the main canal with revetment to seal the breach before the main canal water swamped the entire village of Airy Hall, Essequibo Coast.
The area most affected is the southern section of Airy Hall from the main canal to the front lands. This would result in the loss of some acreage if the water is still on the young rice. Every effort should be made to dig the main canal and build the embankment wider and higher to conserve the water at a minimum level so it cannot over tap the dam or cause erosion. The rice industry in Essequibo is probably the most integrated of all sectors, be it political, economic or social, as it permeates the entire fabric of our country.
These farmers who are affected by this flooding depend on the inputs of suppliers and banks to provide them with the necessary agro-inputs and working capital to produce paddy. There are many instances where farmers are exploited by flooding and bad dams in this region to the extent of extinction, but no one will gain from this if the industry collapses. There should be concerted efforts from the regional administration to halt such a situation in the future as this one. Indeed, the industry continues to play no small role in feeding a sizeable proportion of the Guyanese population.
Its multifaceted role in the country’s economy touches every citizen. Through rice, the economy secures a sizeable part of the country’s foreign exchange. In the final analysis, development does not come about by making or understanding statements of principles and policies. It comes about because those who are selected to manage the region must be willing to do the work day and night and not abuse state vehicles during working hours.

MOHAMED KHAN