-work ongoing to clear clogged canals and drains

SOME 3000 acres of farmlands in Moleson Creek, East Berbice-Corentyne, are presently under floodwater following heavy rainfall. The affected farmers are pleading with the relevant authorities to provide urgent assistance. Cash crops, inclusive of beans, watermelon, cassava, pumpkin, sweet potato, plantain and pepper are being cultivated on the land and are in various stages of development. The flooding has resulted in hefty losses for the farmers, who are calling for permanent solutions to be implemented to address this situation, which has been occurring for some time now. Regional officials said that an excavator has cleared thousands of metres of clogged canals and drains, and the floodwater is receding.

Rajesh Kumardeo called “Raja” of Crabwood Creek, who has some 10 acres of beans, plantains and sweet potatoes under cultivation, estimates his losses to be in the millions. He said things may get worse if the situation is not remedied soon. “Right now all the potatoes under water, the beans soak [in] water and me gah pay somebody to pick them out and another person to pick out them water soak ones and the damaged ones so me can get lil money,” he told this publication. Another farmer, Shamazudeen Nezamudeen, who is cultivating over 100 acres of land, said he had to employ 19 additional persons to pick his 20 acres of pumpkins and another group to harvest his 25 acres of cassava, which are all under water.

He is unable to put a figure to his losses, but called on the authorities to act swiftly before more damages are incurred. Nezamudeen noted that the main drainage canal in the area is blocked up and needs cleaning. The farmers pointed this publication to an outfall with overgrown vegetation and a canal that is filled to capacity. They related that the water has to travel some 3000 meters in the clogged drains, before it gets discharged into the Corentyne River. In light of this, they are seeking help to establish an outfall that will reduce the distance to less than 1000 meters from the current point of exit. This, they stressed will allow for faster drainage.

“We have the government reserve that is 66 feet on the outfall side and [we] are just asking for a canal 8 feet in width and 6 feet in depth and that will solve all we problems. We will try to provide a self-acting door to prevent the water from flowing back,” said Arman Hoosein, who cultivates eight acres of beans and cassava. The farmers pointed out that an excavator that is currently in the area can be used to get this done quickly, thereby bringing much needed relief to them. They noted that the works done by the excavator to date is welcomed and expressed gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture for fulfilling his promise to provide the machine to clear the canals that were not cleaned in years. This publication was told that the farmers are seeking to provide mats for the excavator so that it can get to clean the main outfall which is heavily silted. However, access is not possible at the moment because of the rain.

WATER RECEDING

Meanwhile, Regional Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain stated that a machine is in the area working to alleviate the situation and the water has begun to recede. However, he cautioned that the request of the farmers which seems simple, may lead to more issues in the long term. Hussain explained that the proposed outfall would connect directly to the river, and can lead to mass erosion over a short period of time. Such a situation, will cause more troubles for the farmers and the community. He said there is an existing tubing which a private farmer has blocked, and if he removes the blockage, then the situation can be remedied almost immediately. Even though the flooding was caused by heavy rainfall, the excavator can be continuously used to help clear the canals as was promised by the minister. Additionally, Regional Agriculture Coordinator, Dennis Deroop, said a team from the ministry will be in the area to assess the damage done and make appropriate recommendations. The Guyana Chronicle understands that from December 23, 2020 to date, the excavator has cleared over 6500 meters of canals and blocked drains in the community, thereby preventing the situation from becoming worse. The machine will remain in the area until the works are completed.