PROGRESSING with its ambitious upgrade and expansion programme of Guyana’s drainage and irrigation system, the government has set aside a sum of $73.2 billion in Budget 2025 to achieve its objectives.

This was according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, during his Friday presentation of the country’s fiscal plan.

He pointed out that since 2020, the government has rehabilitated and constructed several new pump stations across the country.
Through the allocation, there are plans to enhance drainage in areas such Adams Creek, Canfield, Good Hope and Mabaruma, as the government continues its efforts to alleviate flooding and enhance water management.

Meanwhile, this year, the government will accelerate plans to construct high-level drainage systems similar to the Hope-like canal, thereby revolutionising water management in Regions Three, Five and Six.

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.