-REO says projects will be completed by third quarter

THE drainage and irrigation problems which affect farmers of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) will soon be resolved, as the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) moves to find a solution to the problem.

“We will be meeting with farmers in Tuschen…they are having drainage and irrigation problems and I already spoke with NDIA (National Drainage and Irrigation Authority) about the issue,” said Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall, in an invited comment on Saturday.

In an effort to alleviate the issue, the REO intends on visiting farms on Tuesday to inspect the area and to get a better understanding of the problems.

She believes that the issue is something which the region could tackle quickly because they want to ensure that torrential rain does not cause overtopping in farms.
“We went to Stanleytown where farmers were also having similar issues…salt water is seeping into their rice farm so we are putting things in place to alleviate the problem,” said Dougall, adding that the region hopes to deal with drainage issues in the first quarter of this year.

In addition to drainage and irrigation projects, the region will also be rehabilitating the Bagotville Primary School; repairing and building bridges; and doing road work in the region. The region will soon be advertising for contractors to bid for the various projects in the region.

Dougall said with all systems in place, the regional administration will aim at completing their projects before the end of the third quarter of this year.
Despite minor problems, the region has not been facing any major challenges which would seriously affect the work of the regional administration.

‘Things are going along very good in the region… we will finish out work early because I have good staff and I am certain everything will be done,” said Dougall.
Some $6.3 billion was allocated to the region in the National Budget for this year. That represents a $943.5 million increase from the 2018 budget allocation.

“Region Three has done exceptionally well over the last reporting period. We will see major development in every sector and every part of Region Three,” said promised Regional Member of Parliament (MP) for the APNU/AFC John Adams, as he delivered his presentation during the opening day of the budget debates in December.

“This APNU/AFC government will deliver on our promises and they can rest assured that no one will be left out. We will transform the economy, empower the people, build sustainable communities and deliver a good life to all,” Adams declared.