THE continuous rainfalls, though appropriately dealt with by the various state institutions, continue to be of concern to Guyanese. Over the years the nation has fought against the odds, such as flooding through clogged drains and canals, in addition to heavy rainfalls.

These have resulted in the loss of livestock, destruction of rice and cash crops and displacement of farmers from lands they rely on for income. In residential and business areas there has been the destruction to properties and income or the threat of. At the public health level the risk for communicable and water borne diseases are ever prevalent.

The advice by Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder in a recent press briefing that the Government shall this year, under his watch, tackle the deficiencies in the drainage and irrigation systems throughout the length and breathe of Guyana is welcome news. The programme as outlined by this Ministry sets out to manage water in a more deliberate and structured manner. What has been identified is an approach that will pinpoint the unique needs of each region and the resources necessary to get the work done.

For instance, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), which is the largest region representing our highlands and vast savannahs and has a history of cattle rearing, milk and beef production is being targeted to have a modern water management system. This could go a far way in reducing flooding and ensure the availability of water during dry season. This means that with the completion of this project there will be less challenges to crops and livestock and during the dry season there will be adequate water supply. This would ensure minimum disruption in the food supply to the country, including export and the economic livelihoods of those who rely on these sectors.

The work proposed to be done in the Mahacia-Mahaicony Abrary Scheme area is two-fold. This would see the maintenance of canals and outfalls and continuing the scheme’s extension programme, which is overdue. These activities are targeted to reduce flooding and the woes of those farmers in Mahaica and Abrary Rivers. Many can recall the cries of these farmers who have lost millions during rainy seasons. This developmental approach is likely to see lands which were abandoned due to constant flooding being re-occupied. Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is known to produce much rice, cattle and cash crops. As a farming community, improvement in drainage and irrigation would mean a lot to the livelihood of the citizens.

Where unemployment among the young is high the proposed work would create potential for employment and other economic opportunities, direct and indirect, throughout the country. And when citizens are productively engaged there is less time and temptation to engage in anti-social behaviours.

The import of food into the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) per year reflects in excess of US$4 billion. As Guyana continues to put measures in place to facilitate the Green Economy, where it is expected that organic foods will play a central role in tackling hunger, enhancing healthy lifestyle, and aiding the elimination of poverty our human development index can record positive growth. The saying that Guyana can realise its potential as the bread basket of the region will not be dismissed as fable, but be pursued as a matter of fact.

Each of the ten administrative regions has been demarcated, guided by scientific topographical survey. This means that each region has its own potential based on their natural boundaries and resources lying within. Where we as a people are prepared in a structured and deliberate manner to exploit the resources in each region, separately and collectively, not only is the country poised for development but such will also redound to its people’s benefit.