MINISTER in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Alli Baksh, has said that the rice crop currently blooming on the Essequibo Coast has not been severely affected by the flood situation. He said some fields with rice were flooded, but sluices and pumps are in operation to drain the flood waters off the land as quickly as possible.

Having visited villages between Perth and Affiance, where he met with residents in the affected areas, the Minister said that residential areas are mostly affected by the high buildup of water that has resulted in the flooding, and kitchen gardens and poultry have being affected, especially in low-lying areas along the coast.

The Minister assured affected residents that the Government is working to bring them relief.

Heavy and consistent rainfall over the past two days has left the Essequibo Coast flooded in many areas. Many lower flats of buildings are flooded, while kitchen gardens are also under water.

Region Two Chairman, Mr. Parmanand Persaud, visited sluices early Saturday morning to ensure they were working at full capacity to discharge flood waters into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Chairman said mobile pumps are in operation at Three Friends, Anna Regina, Lima and Devonshire Castle to drain excess rainfall from the land and bring relief to residents.

He said it is costing the Government millions of dollars to keep the mobile pumps in operation round-the-clock to drain the flooded areas.

(Rajendra Prabhulall)