…over 3000 acres of rice crop under threat

By Indrawattie Natram

THE National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has rushed to fix a sluice door at Golden Fleece, Essequibo which collapsed Monday afternoon threatening some 3000 acres of rice crop and also the residential properties of villagers.

Reports are that a section of the left side of the sluice door went missing. The incident occurred around 16:00 hours on Monday. According to sluice attendant, he opened the sluice door on Monday around 09:00hrs and closed it at 11:45 hours. He said at around 16:00hrs he received the news that water was gushing uncontrollably from the left side of the door. When he visited the area the water was quickly rising.

Acting Regional Chairperson, Nandranie Coonjah said as soon as she received the news; she quickly rushed to the area. She immediately contacted the engineer attached to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Nan Ram and informed him. According to her efforts are underway to bring relief. She said that a private contractor was already contracted to mobilise stop logs to stop the water from flowing. Works were expected to start around 19:00hrs on Monday.

Meanwhile 3000 acres of rice lands are under threat in the area. Some of the lands have already been harvested while some are waiting on the harvester to visit the area. As the news quickly spread farmers were seen making sand bags and placing logs to stop the water. Many of the rice farmers who have not harvested as yet are fearful of water entering their crop. Many drainage trenches in the area were overflowing.