PREPARATIONS for the construction of a new four-door drainage sluice at D’Edward Village, West Bank Berbice, in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), got underway last week with the award of consultancy services for the design of the structure.

The contract for provision of consultancy services for its design was awarded by the responsible agency the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) to SRKN’ engineering.

The new sluice is intended to enhance drainage of all residential areas and agricultural land between the Abary and Berbice Rivers: the Abary/Berbice Sub-Region of the Region. The signing was done in the Boardroom of the MMA/ADA at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice and General Manager of the MMA/ADA, Mr Aubrey Charles, signed on behalf of the Authority, while Dr. Krishna Naraine signed on behalf of the Company. The event was witnessed by veteran Civil Engineer, Mr Paul Sarran and MMA/ADA Board Member, Mr Milton Nedd. In keeping with the terms of the contract SRKN is expected to complete the designs for the new sluice within eighty four days.

Awards for actual construction will follow thereafter and the structure itself is expected to be completed within eighteen months. Plans by the MMA/ADA to replace the aged 50-year old structure at D’Edward were first disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, earlier this year. He had said: “Right now there is a three-door sluice at D’Edward and that will be replaced by a four-door sluice. The whole aim is to get rid of more water by gravity and a sluice is far more efficient than a pump.”

A reliable source disclosed that the new sluice will be constructed adjacent to the old sluice and the old sluice will be rehabilitated.