GOVERNMENT, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority [NDIA] and the Region Two Administration, has put another mobile pump into operation at Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast to speed up the drainage operation and get flood waters off the land faster in residential, rice growing, and farming areas in the villages.

Water is reportedly receding at a faster rate since this second pump has been put into operation near the Devonshire Castle sluice yesterday, and several residents of the two communities have reportedly expressed their satisfaction that another pump has been put into operation to expedite the draining of flood water from the villages.

One resident has said that, since the second pump began working, he felt relieved because the water level began receding very quickly.

Reports are that the Devonshire Castle sluice, known as the “Black Devil” because of its powerful draught, is back in operation after the excavator machines mounted on the pontoon in the Atlantic Ocean successfully cleared the blocked outfall channel.

Residents of the villages have commended the quick response of the Government to address the flood situation and bring them speedy relief. They are also very thankful to President Donald Ramotar for his visit to the Essequibo Coast to address the problem of flooding, and for bringing affected residents speedy relief.