– relief efforts to commence soon

LACK of maintenance of the drainage and irrigation system in Region 2, (Pomeroon/Supenaam) over the years has resulted in an uncontrollable siltation that caused flooding of rice lands between Sparta and Windsor Castle on the Essequibo coast.However, relief efforts are expected to commence as soon as Friday, November 27, 2015. Two excavators and one pontoon have been identified for this work.

When the Government Information Agency (GINA) contacted the Regional Engineer – Region Two, Jafaun Permansingh, the agency was advised that maintaining the drainage and irrigation system is the responsibility of the regional administration and not that of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

The regional engineer explained that currently the region is experiencing some serious issues pertaining to having the requisite equipment to execute works. He added that vandalism has resulted in the non-functioning of several of the heavy-duty machines and other equipment.

“Vandalism is happening as persons are throwing sand in the engine block of the machines,” he stated.

With regard to functioning pumps in the region, the regional engineer stated that seven of the nine pumps are not operational. However, efforts are under way to have them fixed.