He told the Guyana Chronicle that the Windsor Forest outfall, also on West Coast Demerara, is in the process of being cleared of accumulated siltation, as well.

Faerber said the Regional Administration, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), is doing similarly at Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara, to enhance drainage in that low area vulnerable to flooding.

He explained that those undertakings are intended to not only widen the storage capacity of the drains and canals but for effective drainage during the rainy period.

Faerber said, apart from those interventions, the Region has sharpened focus on the monthly maintenance of drains and canals as well as servicing of kokers to make sure they are all in good condition and ready to withstand heavy rains.

He added that projects that were open to tender under the capital works programme are being evaluated and contracts will soon be awarded.

Faerber disclosed that, this year, $39.4M will be expended in the process but emphasised that, by no means, can the sum satisfy all farmers’ needs.

However, the Region will endeavour to do the best it can to serve their interest.

Consequently, some of the money will go towards the construction of a koker at Northern Hogg Island, a revetment at Tuschen and a check panel at La Jalousie.

The Philadelphia sideline dam will be rehabilitated and drainage tubes installed in various communities of the Region, Faerber assured.

He said $206.8M will be spent on additional projects, notably the construction of six bridges, excavation of six trenches, rehabilitation of 29 sluices and bulldozing of 11 dams using the six excavators and two draglines at the Region’s disposal.

Faerber said an issue of concern is the removal, by farmers, of boards from drainage structures to get irrigation water, to the detriment of some of their fellow planters.

He warned that the practice will not be tolerated and the Region is prepared to take action against those who engage in the illegal activity.