-as part of efforts to improve drainage for over 5,000 acres of farmlands

Story and photos by Indrawattie Natram

A $261 million pump station was officially commissioned at Cozier in Region Two on Thursday morning, and according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapa, it will bring much-needed relief to the more than 80 farmers who occupy over 5,000 acres of land.

The project which was funded by the Government of Guyana and executed by contractor Adamantium Holdings, is part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture to modernise and improve the country’s agricultural infrastructure, especially in the rural regions.

The commissioning of the pump station marks a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing drainage issues that have plagued the area.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha during his remarks at a simple commissioning ceremony, emphasised the transformation that the agricultural sector has undergone since 2020, largely due to the government’s continuous investments.

He said that the improvements to the drainage and irrigation systems have already led to increased crop yields, with farmers now harvesting nearly 40 bags of rice per acre.

He said for the first time, Essequibo’s rice farmers have planted 36,000 acres of rice, thereby surpassing the target.

Minister Mustapha noted that when the government initially heard the pleas from residents and farmers of Cozier, it committed to rehabilitating the area’s drainage system.

With the new pump station in place, the government has fulfilled that promise and have ensured that cash-crop farmers in the region can now cultivate their lands with fewer concerns about waterlogging and inadequate drainage.

In his remarks, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing investments in the agricultural sector, aiming to make it more resilient to climate change and competitive on the international stage.

In addition to the Cozier pump station, two more pump stations are currently under construction at Andrew’s and Charity, which will further enhance the region’s drainage capabilities.

Focusing on the Pomeroon community, Minister Mustapha noted that for the first time, the area now has access to four excavators and two pontoons to assist with the ongoing drainage work.

This is part of a larger effort to improve the drainage network throughout the country, which is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity, especially in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Guyana, under the current administration, is also leading the Caribbean in food production, a point of pride for the government.

The Ministry of Agriculture is also working on a hydroponics facility at Cotton Field, where over 26 varieties of leafy vegetables will be cultivated. This is part of the modernisation of the sector, which includes the construction of over 600 shade houses across the country.

Lionel Wordsworth, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), provided technical details about the Cozier project.

He explained that the contract was awarded in March 2022, and the project was completed by the end of August 2024.

The pump station replaces the two wooden sluice doors that had deteriorated and were no longer capable of withstanding the saltwater in the area. These doors have been replaced with stainless steel ones, which are far more durable.

The new pump itself has the capacity to push 100 cubic feet of water per minute, ensuring that the area is sufficiently drained to support both residential and agricultural needs. Previously, the old infrastructure was insufficient, leaving the community vulnerable to flooding and unable to fully engage in agricultural activities.

Farmers had been severely affected by the lack of proper drainage, often unable to cultivate their lands due to waterlogged fields. With the installation of the new pump station, these challenges are expected to be mitigated, allowing farmers to resume full-scale cultivation and contribute to the region’s agricultural output.

Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva welcomed the new infrastructure, noting that it was a much-needed investment for the Cozier area.

She acknowledged the hardships that farmers in the region had faced because of poor drainage and expressed optimism that the new pump station, along with other drainage projects such as the bed-and-drain projects in the Pomeroon, would significantly improve agricultural productivity.

Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, who has responsibility for Region Two, also spoke at the event, praising the project as a tremendous success.

He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to transform rural areas and improve the livelihoods of residents. Ramraj recalled that in the past, the Cozier community had been largely unable to carry out farming activities due to persistent flooding and other environmental challenges. With the installation of the new pump station, the government has not only fulfilled its commitment, but has also laid the foundation for sustainable development in the region.

The commissioning of the Cozier pump station is a key achievement for Region Two, as it will bring immediate relief to dozens of farmers. It also symbolises the government’s broader vision for transforming Guyana’s agricultural sector, making it more modern, resilient, and capable of leading the Caribbean in food production.