–new stainless steel door to be installed

ON Tuesday afternoon, the middle door of a koker at Canal Number One in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) failed, because of immense pressure from seasonal high tides.

However, swift mobilisation of the resources by authorities averted any major catastrophic events.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali led from the front, leading a team from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Guyana Police Force.

“The middle door of the koker at Canal Number One has failed under the high tide. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority is mobilising equipment and materials to install stop logs. Preparations are also being made to install a new door,” the Head of State said in a brief statement to his official Facebook Page.

During an inspection at the koker site, Dr Ali revealed that a stainless steel door will replace the wooden structure that once held back the tides.

Earlier this year, it was reported by this newspaper that the government will expend some $26 billion to construct massive canals across the country.

The country’s Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had disclosed that the Hope-like canals will be built in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

In Region Three, it is expected that the drainage and irrigation structure will target some 28,000 acres of land; in Region Five, 214,000 acres, while in Region Six, 188,000 acres of land will see better water management.

Aside from this, Dr Jagdeo also disclosed that $47 million would be expended to facilitate rehabilitation works at over 60 sluices across the country.

Simultaneously, the government is also building out the capacity of pumping stations.

Ideally, the government intends to rehabilitate 60 kokers across the country, procure 40 mobile pumps, and build 19 pump stations, with 39 major pumps already installed across the country.

“[It’s] a massive plan to ensure that we are climate resilient, and that we also improve drainage and irrigation for our farmers, which could lead to a massive output of agriculture products for our country,” Jadgeo had said.