THE current dry weather that Region One, Barima-Waini, is experiencing has caused its vast savannah to dry up at an alarming rate.The water level in the savannah’s main creek – upon which residents, farmers, gold miners and fishermen depend – has reportedly dropped to an alarmingly low level, and boats powered by large outboard engines have to travel very slowly along the creek, mostly in areas near Moruca, Dark Bush and 99 Turns, because of the low water level and exposed rotten wood. Boats navigating the Dark Bush and 99 Turns areas reportedly get stuck many times, because of the shallow water and exposed logs and tree branches.

A group of miners travelling to Barama via the Dark Bush and 99 Turns route were last Saturday stranded for several hours after their boat — loaded with groceries, engines, pumps and other equipment — ran aground in the shallow water. The miners reportedly had no alternative but to go overboard and, with the help of their outboard engine, push the boat along the wood infested creek to deeper water in the Bara Bara River.

Miners said they are finding it very difficult to cross Dark Bush and 99 Turns during the dry weather, and are calling for the area to be dredged. They said it is very strenuous manual work to get their boats across when going into or coming out from the Barama mining district.

It is reportedly also difficult for residents to move their boats laden with groceries, gasoline and other necessities to the communities of Warapokia, Assakata, Kwebanna and Santa Cruz.

The low water and dried savannah has caused a fishing craze in the villages of Waramuri, Manawarin, Kamwatta, Parakee, Mora, Seven Miles, Kumaka, Wallaba, Assakata, Haimaracaba, Haimaruni and Warapoka. Reports are that many residents, including children, are seen early in the morning and in the afternoon fishing with rods at the edge of the creek. The catch is quick because of the abundance of fish in the shallow water.

(By Rajendra Prabhulall)