WITH the rainy season already upon us, unusual heavy rainfall has been recorded for the past few weeks resulting in water accumulation in some parts of the country.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has since said that measures have been put in place to mitigate flooding and to prevent the negative impacts usually associated with such a situation.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, he explained that in Georgetown alone there are 15 pump stations, all of which are fully operable and are manned at all times.

Further, he said that there are pumps in the different regions that are working to minimise heavy flooding.

Minister Mustapha added that the outfalls and sluices across Guyana are being monitored on a 24-hour basis to deal with emergencies during this rainy season when extreme rainfall and unusual weather patterns are expected.

The agriculture minister further said that there have been reports of water accumulation in some areas, but no major flooding has been recorded as yet.

He noted that all drainage systems and networks are active and if needed, additional pumps will be deployed to help mitigate widespread flooding during this rainy season which is expected to last beyond the regular two-month period.

The minister also disclosed that officials are keeping up to date with weather patterns and are monitoring the flooding situation. He said too that the country’s flood prevention infrastructure is intact at this time.