THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has activated a National Response Mechanism to address the acute shortage of water being experienced in some sections of the country as a result of El Nino weather conditions. The rice industry and, by extension, farmers on the coastland are mostly affected by the severe dry weather, since they are in dire need of water. As a result, many farmers are unable to plant the current crop.
At a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman reported that the situation was “grave” in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where there continues to be an acute shortage of water.
It was noted that the CDC will meet with Cabinet tomorrow to fully brief President David Granger on the issue. In the meantime, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) continues to urge citizens in the city to conserve water, since the water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy has dropped considerably.
The weather pattern, which has been persistent, is anticipated to continue throughout the first quarter of 2016. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), in conjunction with the Mahaica-Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) is working vigorously to assist farmers with their drainage and irrigation needs.