– implements urgent relief measures

IN the wake of persistent heavy rainfall that triggered flooding in parts of Johanna and Yakusari, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, visited Black Bush Polder to assess the situation and initiate swift relief efforts to support affected farmers and residents.

Accompanied by senior technical officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and representatives from key agencies, Minister Mustapha conducted on-site assessments in Yakusari, Johanna, Mibicuri, and Lesbeholden, meeting directly with residents impacted by the floodwaters.

Residents expressed concern over rising water levels, especially in Johanna and Yakusari, which suffered the brunt of the inundation.

Minister Mustapha assured the community that a full damage assessment will be conducted through the Ministry’s agencies to determine the extent of losses, particularly to agricultural lands.

“In Yakusari and Johanna, the water levels are higher, but the situation in Mibicuri and Lesbeholden is more manageable. I’ve been working closely with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to ensure that all systems are functioning. Currently, three pumps are operational, along with the Number 43 sluice, which is working around the clock,” the Minister stated during his visit.

He further noted that over four to five inches of rain fell in less than twelve hours, according to data from the Hydrometeorological Office.

In response, engineers from the NDIA have been deployed to implement urgent drainage measures, including enhanced pump operations and the activation of additional drainage systems. These efforts have already resulted in a noticeable reduction in floodwaters across affected areas.

The Minister also directed that additional machinery be deployed to vulnerable sections of the polders to empolder areas at risk. “The machines should arrive by Thursday to help reinforce our flood defences,” he added.

A troubling issue raised during the visit was the deliberate tampering of drainage and irrigation infrastructure. Residents reported that some individuals had cut dams, exacerbating the flooding. Minister Mustapha responded immediately, ordering repairs and strengthening security measures to prevent further tampering.

Despite the challenges, Minister Mustapha confirmed that there have been no significant reports of rice crop losses. He emphasised that agencies such as the NDIA, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) are actively monitoring the situation and submitting regular updates.

The Ministry of Agriculture remains on high alert as the rainy season continues and reiterated its commitment to protecting the livelihoods of farmers and residents in the Black Bush Polder area.