REFERENCE is made to the Kaieteur News article on page 3 of the Thursday, December 29, 2011 edition captioned “$$$Millions lost in Canal #2 flooding”.
I wish to state categorically that I was in the region during the Christmas holidays and was monitoring the flood situation in both, Canal No 1 Polder and Canal No 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara.
I also wish to reiterate that the maintenance of both canals comes under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture. The ministry was informed about the condition of the canals prior to the holiday season.
With regard to the pump at Stanleytown, it is regrettable that it was a case of pure figmentation. The regional administration is aware that the pump is in working condition. But I wish to point out that the pump is operationalised only when the sluice gate is closed.
I wish to point out also that regular checks were made during the rainy period both by me and officials of the Ministry of Agriculture.
To alleviate the situation, the Ministry of Agriculture has engaged a contractor to clear the weeds in the canal and besides they have deployed an excavator to the area.
Presently, extension officers of the ministry are in the area visiting plots to determine the extent of  damage.