By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

THE government through the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies, is actively implementing measures in Black Bush Polder to support Johanna rice farmers whose fields are being affected by rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, during a meeting with rice farmers in Johanna, Black Bush Polder, on Wednesday, stressed that the PPP/C government continues to work along with the farmers around the country to assist them.
Turning to the issue of some of the rice farmers’ fields being flooded in Johanna, Black Bush Polder, Bharrat said that he was in Berbice and so was asked by the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, to meet with the farmers and give the reassurance “that we are doing everything possible to ensure that we drain the area as fast as possible.”

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is carrying out cleaning works on the Number 43 Outfall.
Minister Bharrat related that he used the Number 43, Corentyne, entrance to Black Bush Polder to ensure that the “excavator at the outfall is working.”
“When we passed there, both excavators are working coming in on the pontoon”, he confirmed.
Additionally, Bharrat related that an additional pump was being set up on Wednesday, while another channel will be cut so as to divert some of the water to another location.
He said: “The Minister of Agriculture asked me to assure you that these works are ongoing, and I am sure that many of you went to 43 and see two excavators working on the pontoon, we already cutting the channel to get the water out, and then NDIA is setting up the other pump to ensure it lends support to the system that is already in place, so that we can drain the area.”

Bharrat reassured the farmers that the works will be done, noting: “and all efforts will be made to assist farmers in Black Bush Polder, especially during this rainy season.”
He also highlighted the developmental works that have been carried out within Black Bush Polder, as he stressed that there are more works to be done.
Bharrat said: “I know with the rain and Black Bush being a farming area, that is your main concern, and I know too that we have done a lot of work in Black Bush and I think [that if] we are honest among ourselves, we will acknowledge the transformation in Black Bush over the last couple of years.”
The minister further highlighted the ongoing infrastructure improvements, particularly the enhancement of roads and several cross streets, emphasising the significant progress being made in the area.

He assured the community that “soon, you will see the installation of streetlights,” underscoring the government’s commitment to not only address physical infrastructure, but also tackle other pressing social issues.
Additionally, Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain was also present in the area on Wednesday and met with the rice farmers.
He has been actively working on the ground with the Johanna farmers, lending support during this time.

On Wednesday, Hussain told the rice farmers gathered that with the Hope-like canals which are under construction, coming on stream: “the water being generated through a different pumping system to the front lands so Black Bush will be independent, even the savannah water won’t come here.”
Hussain further stressed: “We are building a new system now to counteract all of these things.”

He then urged farmers to remain engaged and continue working closely with the authorities as they implement the necessary measures to address the challenges at hand.
Hussain’s call for collaboration emphasised the importance of collective effort in overcoming the current difficulties and ensuring the long-term success of the farming community within the area.
He had also met with the rice farmers on Monday and assured them that he would keep in contact with them as the works continue.