In first official test of $3.6B project… Water from Conservancy released into Hope Canal – NDIA Head says process a smooth one
Excavators working at Hope Canal yesterday
Excavators working at Hope Canal yesterday

THE test release of water into the Hope Canal from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) is proceeding smoothly thus far, according to Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Mr Lionel Wordsworth.

NDIA Head, Mr Lionel Wordsworth
NDIA Head, Mr Lionel Wordsworth

On site yesterday to closely monitor the situation were Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, consultants, ministry officials, contractors and other NDIA officials.

 The cut made  in the vicinity of the head regulator of the Hope Canal project to release water

The cut made in the vicinity of the head regulator of the Hope Canal project to release water

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the release of water began at 06:00 hrs yesterday and was facilitated by workers cutting the embankment of the EDWC, in the vicinity of the Head Regulator to allow the flow of water into the northern relief channel at the Hope Dochfour Outfall.

With the current increased levels of rainfall, Wordsworth explained that it is an opportune time for the capacity and capability of the Hope Canal to be tested.

The test release was essential to ensure that the integrity of the Hope Canal’s earthen dams remain intact under the pressure of the water contained.

“We will continue to monitor the embankments to see if there is any significant settlement or seepage,” Wordsworth said.
He explained that the initial level of the Hope Canal is currently at 56 GD and once this level has stabilised, it will be raised to 57 GD.

Yesterday afternoon, the water contained in the Hope Canal was released via the eight-door sluice into the Atlantic Ocean.

The entire operation became necessary due to the high water level in the EDWC and to safeguard the structural integrity of the conservancy’s earthen embankments.

Workers at the Northern relief Channel of the Hope Canal
Workers at the Northern relief Channel of the Hope Canal

The Agriculture Ministry had stated, on Friday, that the EDWC water levels were 58.25 GD at Flagstaff, 57.70 GD at Lama and 54.85 GD at Land of Canaan which was above the full supply level of 57.50 GD. The height of the Conservancy Dam is 59 GD.

The release is the first official test of the $3.6 billion Hope Canal project.

Hon.  Noel Holder, Minister of Agriculture
Hon. Noel Holder, Minister of Agriculture

 

 

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