THE ‘bed and drain’ project that is currently ongoing in communities along the Pomeroon River is progressing smoothly, according to Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva.

De Silva recently provided an update at the region’s statutory meeting, which was held in the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom.

She told the regional officials that the implementation of the project was a directive from President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who wanted to assist farmers who were planting along the Pomeroon River.

According to the chairperson, scores of cash-crop farmers had asked that their “beds” be lifted after their crops were destroyed due to flooding.

The request was immediately granted to those farmers who are cultivating five acres and below in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon River.

De Silva told the region’s RDC that 350 farmers in the Upper Pomeroon and 190 in the Lower Pomeroon can expect to benefit from the initiative.

She said that the project is going smoothly, and farmers have expressed their satisfaction with the way things are going.

She also told the RDC that she visited some of the farmers recently and got positive reviews.

The chairperson emphasised that farmers will see improvements in their farmlands, including less flooding, by the time the project ends.

“This is what our government is doing; President Irfaan Ali listened to farmers, and the intervention was made. The lands are being raised, and farmers are benefitting,” De Silva said.

Another government councillor, Arnold Adams, applauded the initiative, and said that the project will offer significant support to farmers plying their trade in the Pomeroon River.

He reminded his fellow councillors that farmers have been severely affected by spring tide and heavy rainfall over the years, and with this intervention, their lands and crops will now be protected.

Adams urged farmers to report any issue that is affecting them to the nearest Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office.