– to benefit over 1,000 farmers

IN a landmark development for agricultural infrastructure, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, commissioned a multimillion-dollar sluice at Capoey, Region Two.
The new sluice, constructed at a cost of $259 million, is set to significantly enhance drainage and irrigation for over 1,000 farmers and residents across several communities.
The new sluice will serve the needs of farmers and residents in Queenstown, Taymonth Manor, and Capoey, benefitting more than 60 farmers and covering 1,000 acres of farm and residential lands.
Areas such as Capoey, Little Alliance, Westfield, Mocha, Dagaraad, and the immediate front lands at Queenstown are expected to see improved drainage and reduced flooding thanks to this critical infrastructure.

Speaking to residents at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Mustapha underscored the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of Capoey and its neighbouring villages.
He highlighted that the new sluice replaces an old, dilapidated structure that often led to flooding during rains, a major concern voiced by residents at previous community meetings.
“This new sluice will benefit a wide range of residents, including rice farmers, and it reaffirms our dedication to modernising the agricultural sector,” said Minister Mustapha. He also encouraged farmers to diversify their crops and take advantage of the improved infrastructure and new market opportunities being developed.

Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, expressed the regional democratic council’s satisfaction with the new sluice, acknowledging that the government had been responsive to the residents’ concerns.
“With more land under cultivation, improved drainage systems are crucial. This significant investment demonstrates that the government is listening to our needs,” De Silva noted.
Residents attending the commissioning shared their gratitude for the project. Cromwell Mentis, a local resident, remarked that Queenstown used to flood every time it rained, highlighting the transformative impact of the new sluice.

This commissioning marks another step in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and improve living conditions for residents in Region Two, ensuring that critical infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of the community.