CONSTRUCTION efforts are ramping up on a pump station at Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara, Region Three, signalling a significant advancement in improving drainage and irrigation (D&I) access for farmers and residents in the area.
With a budget of $650 million, the pump station is on track for completion within three months, forming part of a broader initiative to bolster D&I infrastructure across the region.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, visited the site recently, announcing the anticipated completion date and highlighting additional interventions aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and flood mitigation.
Once operational, the pump station will feature two mechanically driven pumping units, capable of discharging 150 cubic feet of water per second, contributing to more effective water management in the region. Minister Mustapha expressed optimism about the operationalisation of 19 pump stations nationwide by mid-2025, emphasising the government’s commitment to comprehensive drainage improvement initiatives.
Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, stressed that these projects represent part of a nationwide effort to enhance drainage infrastructure comprehensively, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating the impact of flooding.
In addition to ongoing construction and rehabilitation works, the government plans to replicate the success of the Hope Canal at East Coast Demerara, extending its benefits to Regions Three, Five, and Six. Minister Mustapha highlighted plans for a similar canal project near the B-Line structure, aimed at bolstering drainage capabilities in the area.
Moreover, various drainage improvement projects are underway or in the tendering stage across multiple regions. These include the construction of a guest house at Lama, rehabilitation of Sukhram Cross Drainage Channel in Region Six, and the development of access roads and infrastructure in several regions to enhance agricultural productivity and community resilience.
With substantial investments allocated to these projects, the government underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable development, enhancing agricultural resilience, and improving the livelihoods of communities nationwide.