ACCUMULATED water in sections of Black Bush Polder front-lands due to heavy rains has receded, but the two excavators and dragline posted there to remedy the situation will remain for another week.According to Region 6 Chairman, David Armogan, the machines are still required since water in the outfall channel is low, and at this stage sediment from the Atlantic Ocean would build-up at a faster rate.With water level being low at the Adventure outfall channel, enough water cannot be released to farmers.
The region is hoping for some heavy downpour so that water in the channel will rise, allowing for a greater discharge to rice farmers in the process of planting.
The Regional Chairman told the Guyana Chronicle that although the water had affected some 20 acres of rice cultivation, he has received no report of losses.
STATE OF ‘BALL FIELD’
In fact, he said, some residents were more worried about the state of the ‘ball field’ at Adventure.
But, he said, the water is also off the field, and residents can resume recreational activities there.
Meanwhile, some of the affected farmers thanked the Region 6 Administration and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for responding promptly to the flooding.
Heavy rains four days ago flooded sections of Black Bush Polder front-lands, more particularly Adventure, affecting mainly rice cultivation.
According to reports, the situation was caused by a high tide and heavy showers.
NDIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lionel Wordsworth had told the Guyana Chronicle that the channel was recently desilted but high tides had brought in sediment from the ocean.
Contrary to reports, the NDIA CEO explained that there has been no breach in the outfall or overtopping, and though farm lands in low-lying areas were affected, residential areas were not.
Armogan, along with Wordsworth, met with the affected farmers on Saturday, and reported that the meeting was cordial and the farmers accepted their explanation of the problem.
During the meeting, the farmers reportedly pressed the Regional Chairman and the NDIA CEO to look at the matter with urgency, but praised their efforts in getting the water off their rice lands.
Berbice has been enjoying healthy rice production in recent times. Production has moved from just above 50,000 acres three years ago to 62,000 acres today, yielding some 34 bags of paddy per acres and 2,289,718 bags of paddy in total.