Hydro-power consortium urges renewed interest in Amaila Falls project
- Government inclined, if economical – PM Hinds
The Amaila Falls Hydro-power Consortium makes a presentation to Government officials, including President Bharrat Jadgdeo and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds urging renewed interest in the Amaila Falls Hydro-electric project at the Kuribrong River, Region Eight. (OP/S. Prince photo)
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2005
Government may be inclined to pursue renewed interest in the Amaila Falls Hydro-electric project at the Kuribrong River, Region Eight, but this depends on the economic feasibility of the project.
This is according to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who has responsibility for the energy sector.
The Prime Minister’s disclosure follows a presentation by the Amaila Falls Hydro-power Consortium on January 12 about the benefits of renewing interest in this project which began in 2000, but was not deemed feasible then because of low oil prices on the international market.
Among those who witnessed the presentation were President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Hinds, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Harry Narine Nawbatt, Presidential Adviser Navin Chandarpal, Head of the Guyana Energy Agency Joseph O’Lall, Head of the Privatisation Unit, Winston Brassington and Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) Board Ronald Ali.
However, the generation of hydro-power is now being dubbed ‘feasible’ due to steady increases in world oil prices. This has caused Guyana to incur huge fuel import bills and has seen a rise in most-fuel related commodities’ prices.
The advantages of the hydro-project, as pointed out by the group, are independence from foreign oil imports, renewable energy source for the next 100 years with expansion capability to meet the future growth, reliable supply, utilisation of natural resources. As with any project in the making, hundreds of jobs will be created, according to the group.
The environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project has already been completed, as well as its design.
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New electricity programme 78 percent complete
-Heavy rains, slow payments hinder progress
Georgetown, GINA ,January 17, 2006
Government’s Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP) has advanced significantly over the last few months, paving the way for thousands to receive domestic electricity supply.
Operations Manager of the UAEP Kumar Sharma said, “Works have been progressing ahead of the schedule but the recent increase in rainfall has affected several areas where works are being executed.”
Among the communities affected are Yakusari, Johanna, Mibicuri and Lesbeholden in the Black Bush Polder area.
Sharma said another factor inhibiting the project’s advancement is the failure of many residents to submit payments which are required to defray the cost of interconnection devices and security deposits.
Meanwhile, works have been advancing in a number of other areas countrywide.
Works are currently ongoing at Field ‘A’ Liliendaal, Cummings Lodge and Foulis East Coast Demerara and Clay Brick Road, Canal Number 2 Polder on the West Bank Demerara.
Sharma said most of the smaller villages identified under the programme have already been completed.
“More than 700 interconnections have since been effected but the rate is dependent on residents’ applications and accompanying payments,” he added.
An order for 20,000 meters has been placed, and these are expected to arrive in Guyana next month. This was done in order to offset the projected increase in applicants as a result of the ongoing programme.
The first phase of the UAEP is expected to be completed by the end of April 2006.
The new electricity programme commenced in 2004 and has since gained momentum. It is estimated that the homes of some 50,000 Guyanese will receive electricity in the near future as a result.
The programme is seen as one of the major breakthroughs in government’s quest to create better living standards for its citizens. It will provide power for 220 communities in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10, especially in housing schemes where Government has provided house lots for citizens.
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Global warming: the impact on the world
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2006
Countries worldwide are experiencing the effects of global warming and Guyana is not an exception. The first indication of Guyana facing the brunt of ‘mother nature’ was in January 2005, when there was heavy and incessant rainfall for many days. Regions Two, Three, Four and Five were declared disaster zones after severe flooding.
One year later, several communities in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six have been affected by heavy and incessant rainfall damaging thousands of acres of farmland and killing livestock.
Chief Hydrometeorological Officer, Dilip Jaigopaul explained that Guyana will always be susceptible to flooding mainly because it is six feet below sea level and climatic change (global warming) is leading to adverse weather conditions.
What is global warming?
Global warming stems from the burning of fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas. This releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The carbon pollution blankets the earth and traps heat, resulting in pervasive damage to the environment.
Among the associated environmental impacts are biodiversity loss, sea level rise, increased drought, spread of disease, weather pattern shifts, changes in freshwater supply, and an overall increase in extreme weather events, such as the 2005 January flood disaster.
Effects of global warming: Polar icecaps melting
Effects on Guyana
The people of South America are heavily dependent on the continent’s natural resources - from the rangelands at the foothills of the Andes, to the plants and animals of the Amazon and Guyana’s rainforest, to the marine life off the coast of Peru.
The region’s ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the changes in water availability expected with a changing climate.
Higher global temperatures along with more frequent El Nino and El Nina weather patterns, which causes increased drought, or devastating floods, are expected to continue.
According to Jaigopaul, January 2005 saw a westerly wind at 700 millibar or 10,000 feet which is ‘anominal.
“The weather has changed dramatically over the past 30 years, what we are seeing now is a change in the climate scenario,” Jaigopaul pointed out.
In the face of these climatic changes, it is hoped that a new $600M radar system, set to come on stream this year, will significantly assist in providing the aviation and meteorological sectors with invaluable information which can avert aerial catastrophes and heighten natural disaster preparedness.
Referring to the January 2005 flood disaster, Coordinating Director of the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation, Tyrone Sutherland, said that the Doppler radar would be capable of detecting major weather conditions, such as thunderstorms.
“The radar actually shows the rainfall, the intensity of the rain exactly where it is occurring and approximately 400 kilometers,” Sutherland stated.
The Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) in association with the University of Guyana (UG), Faculty of Technology, conducted a seminar on November 17, titled ‘Faces of Disaster Mitigation’.
The seminar addressed the issue of climate change, with emphasis on the socio-economic and geographical effects it has on society.
During the period 1996 to 2004, the administration expended approximately $8.5B on sea defence projects in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).
Weather update: storm systems over Guyana and sections of South America.
However, although major work continues in this regard, the threat of rising sea levels and changing weather patterns continue to be a major challenge to people living on the coastal belt in Guyana and around the world.
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More health teams for West Berbice communities – Health Minister
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2006
Additional health teams will be dispatched to several West Berbice communities, including Belladrum, Waterloo and Hope villages, as government’s interventions in flood-affected communities intensify.
During a visit to West Berbice on January 17, Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, was given an update on the flood situation by residents of Belladrum and Hope villages.
“There have been reports of a marginal increase in incidences of diarrhoea, by residents and community health officiers. As a result of this, the Ministry will be dispatching medical teams comprising doctors, nurses and medexes,” the Minister said.
To date, there have been no reports of outbreaks of water-borne diseases. However, the Ministry is fully prepared to handle any eventuality, Minister Ramsammy noted.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is also the Head of the National Flood Prevention and Control Committee, visited the affected communities, where he interacted with residents and farmers.
Among the concerns raised were the losses suffered by rice, cash crop, and livestock farmers.
Farmers reported that the water, which resulted mainly from high intensity rainfall over the past several weeks, has not receded. The situation is not expected to improve immediately.
On January 16, an emergency measure undertaken by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority resulted in the release of water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC).
This was executed based on the recommendations of high-level local and international engineers. They indicated that the water level of the EDWC was approaching critical levels, and blowing the Conservancy via the Maduni sluice, was necessary in order to avert breaching.
President Bharrat Jagdeo and several top government officials have been visiting flood-hit communities since the commencement of the rainy season, and the ensuing floods.
Intervention by the administration has resulted in drainage works being intensified in several communities, and the Head of State has since announced an assistance package for farmers who suffered substantial losses.
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Flood update:
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2006
As Government continues to monitor the flood situation around the country, Ministers are presently in various regions to do on-the-spot checks and to oversee relief efforts.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) report issued today stated that there are reports of flooding in Regions 2,3,4,5 and 6 as well as reports of high waters in some areas in Region Four. All pumps and sluices continue to operate
This report was issued by the D & I Authority today:
- Flooding continues within the upper reaches of the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creek as well within De-Hoop
- The Mahaica,Mahaicony,Abary/Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA) is monitoring the situation within the Mahaicony Creek and undertaking necessary works
Region Two
- In the Pomeroon River, Charity housing area, Anna Regina, Perseverance and low areas along the Essequibo Coast, there are reports of high waters especially in Westbury, Somerset, Dartmouth and Perseverance. The main canal is overtopping along with the Capoey conservancy.
All sluices are said to be ‘ok’ and are operating with the water from the main canal being discharged at Uno Creek, Somerset and Berks.
There is overtopping along low areas of the Golden Fleece conservancy as well as the low areas of the main canal embankment
The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is to undertake works on the Capoey embankment while water will be discharged from the Ituribisi conservancy through Riverstown Relief.
Region Three
- There are reports of flooding in Canal Number One and Two Polders, with high waters in the Polders, Pouderoyen, Parfait Harmonie and Dorn Hogg, Leguan Island
- All sluices and pumps are operating with mechanical cleaning of the main canals of Canal No. 1 and 2 in progress and other necessary drainage works ongoing at Canal No. 2-Belle West, Resource and Middlesex and at Canal No. 1 –L’Esperance and Orange Field.
- A pump has been installed at Dorn Hogg, Leguan Island and is to be put into operation today
Region Four
- There are reports of flooding at Craig and Friendship backlands with further reports of high waters on the East Coast Demerara Backlands area, Two Friends- Ann’s Grove and Montrose, Goed Hope.
- There are two electrical pumps at Strathavon operating during the non sluicing period
- The Greenfield mobile is down for minor repairs as well as one Fix Pump at Huntley
- All sluices and outfalls are functioning
Region Five
- Reports of flooding in the upper reaches of the Mahaica,Mahaicony and Abary Creeks with reports of high waters in Broomlands and Handsome Tree canal and low areas along the Coast
- All sluices and pumps are in operation
- The MMA installed a pump at Bellamy Canal (Abary End). This is in operation.
- The NDIA/ Region have commenced work on check structures at Mortice and Sukdeo canals
Region Six
- There are reports of flooding within the No.19 area, Whim, Fyrish, Gibraltar and low areas along the Coast with further reports of high waters in the No. 19 area, Yakusari, Johanna, 52-74 area and Port Mourant
- All sluices and pumps are in operation with an additional pump installed at Joppa by the RDC
- The RDC has undertaken cleaning of residential drains in Yakusari and Johanna and work is continuing
- Work has also been undertaken by the RDC on the No.43 Sluice
- The RDC is to install a pump at Seawell today and raising the embankment at No.19 has commenced
Region Ten
- There are no reports of flooding but reports of high waters at West Watooka and Wismar with further reports of high water and minor erosion in Wismar.
Georgetown
- There are reports of flooding in sections of Queenstown and Sophia as well as reports of high waters within low areas of Sophia, Bourda and Queenstown
- The City Engineer’s Department reported that all pumps are in operation except the Kitty electrical pump and the Princess Street pump which are under repairs
- The D&I mobile pump at Liliendaal is functioning along with the mobile pump at Kitty
Guysuco
- There are reports of minor flooding in low sections of the Skeldon Estate with reports of high water within backlands
- All sluices and pumps are in operation
East Demerara Water Conservancy
- The present level is 58.65 GD with an average dam level of 59.0 GD
- Water is being discharged into the Demerara river through the five door sluice at Land of Canaan and Kofi and into the Maduni Creek through the Maduni relief structure with two additional drainage pumps installed at Land of Canaan. These are operating
The Boerasijrie Water Conservancy
- The present level is 62.10 GD
- Water is being discharged into the Essequibo River through the five-door sluice at Waramia, at Naamryck and at Potosi
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Sandvoort flood-relief – names submitted by community officials
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2006
Following reports of discrimination by residents and farmers of Sandvoort, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) who claimed that only a fraction of those affected by flooding received assistance, Member of Parliament, Zulfikar Mustapha has indicated that only six names have been submitted by officials in the community.
“Following President Bharrat Jagdeo’s visit to the area on January 5, an assistance package was announced for farmers,” Mustapha said.
However, assistance has been provided based on information furnished by the Sandvoort Village Cooperative Society Limited #550.
Mustapha noted that “the Chairman of the Cooperative Society, Mr. C. Forysthe, submitted the names of six persons, and as such, the necessary arrangements were made for these individuals to receive assistance.”
Additionally, the Head of State during his visit indicated that assistance is primarily for legitimate farmers who have been adversely affected by prolonged flooding.
Farmers suffering minimal losses would therefore, not be able to benefit from this package.
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Hydro-power consortium urges renewed interest in Amaila Falls project
- Government inclined, if economical – PM Hinds
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2005
Government may be inclined to pursue renewed interest in the Amaila Falls Hydro-electric project at the Kuribrong River, Region Eight, but this depends on the economic feasibility of the project.
This is according to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who has responsibility for the energy sector.
The Prime Minister’s disclosure follows a presentation by the Amaila Falls Hydro-power Consortium on January 12 about the benefits of renewing interest in this project which began in 2000, but was not deemed feasible then because of low oil prices on the international market.
Among those who witnessed the presentation were President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Hinds, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Harry Narine Nawbatt, Presidential Adviser Navin Chandarpal, Head of the Guyana Energy Agency Joseph O’Lall, Head of the Privatisation Unit, Winston Brassington and Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) Board Ronald Ali.
However, the generation of hydro-power is now being dubbed ‘feasible’ due to steady increases in world oil prices. This has caused Guyana to incur huge fuel import bills and has seen a rise in most-fuel related commodities’ prices.
The advantages of the hydro-project, as pointed out by the group, are independence from foreign oil imports, renewable energy source for the next 100 years with expansion capability to meet the future growth, reliable supply, utilisation of natural resources. As with any project in the making, hundreds of jobs will be created, according to the group.
The environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project has already been completed, as well as its design.
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Bladen Hall Multilateral completed
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2006
Infrastructural work on the Bladen Hall Multilateral School has been completed and students are now occupying the building according to Civil Works Manager of the Ministry of Education’s Basic Education Access and Management Support (BEAMS) programme, Sheik Kadir.
“We have completed the infrastructural work and are in the process of repairing some equipment in the school. Furniture is also being manufactured. This was delayed due to signing of the contract,” Kadir explained.
The project, which commenced in December, last year, should have been completed in nine months. However, due to the building being abandoned for some time, prior to commencement of the project, additional work had to be done. This included removal of asbestos from the roof.
Bladen Hall is one of the six schools under the BEAMS project undergoing extension and repairs.
The other schools are Tutorial High, North Ruimveldt, Charlestown and Lodge Secondary schools in Georgetown and Aurora Secondary in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).
A section of North Ruimveldt has been completed and students are now occupying it. Infrastructural work at Charlestown was also done but sanitation fixtures are still to be installed.
Lodge and Tutorial are yet to be completed and according to a Capital Project Progress Report from BEAMS, there is need for improvement by the contractor.
Work is progressing satisfactorily at Aurora, and considering delays, the project should be completed by March. Manufacturing of furniture for the school is to commence shortly.
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First Guyana-China investment symposium for February
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2006
Recognising that international trade is a catalyst through which countries can chart a path towards sustainable development and a higher standard of living, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation continues to step up trade promotion activities.
In keeping with this thrust, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Minister, Clement Rohee has indicated that the 9 th meeting of the Guyana-China Joint Commission is expected to take place next month.
The Minister disloced this during the recent signing and exchange of notes on the 7 th Chinese Medical Brigade with China’s Ambassador to Guyana H.E Shen Quing.
“During the presence of the Joint Commission in Guyana, the first investment symposium will be held in Georgetown in keeping with the bilateral investment and protection agreement signed between the two governments in March 2003,” Minister Rohee said.
He said the commission is a mechanism established to promote technical and other forms of cooperation between the two countries.
Additionally Minister Rohee said during the meeting an agreement will be signed between the Chambers of Commerce of Guyana and China to facilitate the establishment of a Joint Business Development Council.
This he pointed out would be established to promote exchanges between the private sectors.
He recalled that during Prime Minister Samuel Hind’s visit to China last year two Memoranda of Understanding were signed with regard to petroleum and chemical exploration and the establishment of an economic zone.
“These are two important documents and I hope that during this year we would see these documents being implemented,” Minister Rohee added.
The Minister also highlighted the decision taken by the Government of China to write off debt owed to them by poor developing countries.
“I have also been informed that the Chinese Government will be increasing its foreign aid to approximately US$10B for developing countries and I am optimistic that Guyana will benefit from this,” he posited.
Rohee lauded Guyana and China’s cordial relations.
“China tops the list as far as our research shows as regards the provision of technical assistance and grant aid projects to Guyana followed by Japan, India and Korea. We will continue to formally adhere to the one-China policy as government and to recognise China as a market economy,” Minister Rohee concluded.
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Flood situation in Pomeroon being monitored
- Several pumps in operation
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2006
Flood water in the upper and lower Pomeroon has not receded significantly over the last several days, and still threatens farmlands and residential areas, as high intensity rainfall continues.
During a visit to the affected areas today, Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee, indicated that, “Millions of dollars have been lost in rice and cash crops, and many residents have been adversely affected by the inundation.”
The high intensity rainfall, which has affected several communities along the coastland, is expected to continue over the next few days.
However, the Minister pointed out that several pumps, provided by farmers, have been placed at strategic locations in the upper and lower Pomeroon.
“The pumps are operational, and are contributing to a gradual reduction in the water level,” Minister Rohee said.
However, many areas remain submerged, as the excessive rainfall continues.
Minister Rohee lauded the resilience of farmers and residents in the area, who he said, are demonstrating good-will, and are determined to reclaim their farmlands.
Meanwhile, several high-level government officials today revisited flood-affected communities in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6, where continual assessments and surveillance of drainage systems are being conducted.
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Clay brick road residents say drainage work started before Sharma’s visit
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2006
Government continues to step up its efforts to bring comfort and relief to persons affected by the heavy rainfall which Guyana is presently experiencing.
Today, Minister of Housing and Water Shaik Baksh and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Anthony Xavier visited several areas in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) to assess the flood situation.
The first stop was at Clay Brick Road, Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara , where residents explained that though water was very high yesterday and earlier in the day it has receded significantly. This, they said, is as a result of the drainage works being done in the area.
The visit was made as a result of a number of allegations by Leader of the Justice For All Party (JFAP) Chandra Narine Sharma on his television programme ‘Voice of the People.’
According to residents, Sharma was in the village yesterday, January 16, and spoke with a few persons most of whom were under the influence of alcohol, claiming that the government is not doing anything for persons affected by the flood.
He did not highlight the drainage works which were being done by officials attached to the Ministry of Housing and Water.
This, they also stated is the usual action by Sharma to condemn what government does for political purposes. The residents also explained that some of the persons who appeared on Sharma’s programme were not even affected by the flood.
According to Laltaram Bissoon, a farmer who preferred not to comment on camera, he is very pleased with the actions taken by government to drain the land despite the fact that Sharma did not highlight it.
“Honestly, I am tired of the nonsense Sharma is doing, he blames the government for everything and he is encouraging people to do so. I do not see why he makes everything a political issue,” Bissoon said.
It was evident from the Minister’s interactions with residents that they are satisfied with what the government is doing, especially the work being done by the engineers.
Bishwandai, another resident of Clay Brick road said that she is thankful for government’s intervention to have the water released from the area adding that, “all of us are satisfied.”
According to Regional Chairman, Esau Dookie who also spoke with residents, the clearing of the main drainage canal has contributed significantly to the water running off.
While in the Region, the Ministers also visited the Belle West and Parfaite/ Harmonie Housing Schemes where works are being carried out to drain water off the land.
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Priority is to get flood water off the land – President Jagdeo
-assesses several flood-hit areas in Region Six
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2006
Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo, after taking an aerial view of flood affected areas in Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) today, stressed that the immediate focus is to drain the water off the land.
The President flew over the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) where one of the sluices, Maduni, was opened to release water to ease the threat on the dam as a result of heavy and incessant rainfall. It was evident that the northern section of the dam was intact.
The President took the opportunity to assess flood-affected areas in Region Six, where he stopped briefly at several communities. His first stop was at Canefield New Housing Scheme, Canje where residents complained that due to the area being low-lying, the water is lodged on the land.
They recommended that the ‘Pepper’ sluice which is manned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) should be fixed and the canal be dug.
“You need an independent way to drain off the land,” the President agreed, adding, “I will send in engineers from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority and ask GUYSUCO engineers to meet with residents and to see if it makes sense to dig a canal or operate the sluice. We will give you some help to build up the land,” the Head of State said.
With the budget presentation scheduled for January 23, money will be made available for Region Six to have four excavators.
“This will happen in less than a month and a half,” the President promised.
At Fort Ordnance residents informed the President that the water from the pasture is flowing into the housing scheme, which is flooding the community. They complained that the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is not reporting the seriousness of the situation. As a temporary measure to ease the flooding, the President notified residents that the Region will pay for the four truckloads of sand and 200 bags that are needed to block the flow of water.
“I want the Region to intervene. Money is not an issue,” the President said.
One of the worst hit areas is the No. 19 Village, due to fish farms overtopping. According to the Regional Chairman (ag) Kadim Bacchus some of the fish farms between Borlam and Industry have been abandoned and have accumulated water during the rainy season.
“The water is actually coming over to where the people are living and what the Region is doing is raise a dam to separate the two areas to prevent water from coming from the fish pond,” Bacchus explained to the President.
Additionally, there is a pump loaned to the Region by GUYSUCO at the Seawell sluice which is working simultaneously with the sluice in pumping the water. Another dam is being raised at the eastern Borlam end to prevent further flooding and a hymac is currently in the area excavating the outfall channel.
Residents of No.1 Village and Fyrish fear an outbreak of Leptospirosis, since there is a burial ground located at the backlands of No. 1 Village.
However, the President noted that doxycycline will be sent to the communities and urged that they be used to safeguard against the disease. During the 2005 floods, 30 persons succumbed to the water borne-disease.
“I will also send in a medical team in the area to conduct an outreach,” promised President Jagdeo.
“We have to look at these fish ponds; because we cannot have a few flood the communities. When this is over, we will have to review the situation and see if an independent drainage system may be the best solution. We have to get the water off the land,” President Jagdeo reiterated.
It was agreed at Nigg that a group from the community will meet with the President at a date to be scheduled to discusss their concerns.
Before departing the Region, the Head of State visited Whim, where there is flooding also.
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Pumps, monetary aid for Region Five residents and farmers
- Prime Minister Hinds
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds addresses concerns of Region Five who are currently experiencing floods as a result of excessive rainfall (Anil Ramlall Photo)
Georgetown, GINA January 17, 2006
Two mobile pumps are being stationed at Onverwagt village, Region Five (Mahaica /Berbice), to alleviate the effects of flooding which occurred recently as a result of excessive rainfall in the region.
One pump was deployed to the community earlier today and another in Georgetown is expected to be relocated to the area by tomorrow, to assist in draining the excess water from the area.
The decisions followed a visit earlier today to several Region Five communities by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who also heads the National Flood Control and Prevention and Control Committee. Accompanying Prime Minister Hinds was head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (ND&IA) Ravi Naraine earlier today.
Among the areas visited by the team were Onverwagt, Paradise, Belladrum and Number 28 village.
Following an assessment, the Prime Minister announced that “we will also try to make monetary flood aid available to the community by this Friday.”
A number of residents have recorded losses of livestock, rice and other cash crops.
Some of the residents have also reported an increase in cases of diarrhoea, which may be related to contamination of the water supply.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds collects reports from residents of region Five to compile a flood assistance package (Anil Ramlall Photo)
Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy who was also in the area, announced that “two medical teams will be deployed to the region tomorrow, to reinforce the efforts of local health workers.”
The Prime Minister noted, “government has been working towards the improvement of drainage facilities countrywide but the excessive rainfall has posed a serious problem.”
Residents also made a number of pleas to the Prime Minister, among which was the digging of canals leading from the riceland aback the villages.
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Shelter at Biaboo Government School to be established, farmers get feed for animals - Minister Westford visits communities in Mahaica Creek
Farmers of Little Baiboo, Mahaica Creek recieving animal feed
Georgetown, GINA, January 17, 2006
Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford today revisited Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) to support flood-affected residents following the Drainage and Irrigation Task Force’s decision to open the Maduni sluice into the Mahaica River to relieve the pressure on the East Demerara Water Conservancy Dam.
The decision was taken at a special Cabinet meeting convened yesterday where Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo deployed a number of Ministers to flood-affected communities to undertake flood interventions and continued assessments of the situation on the ground.
“Today’s trip was successful, persons in the area are still a bit concerned about the flood situation, but not as worried as before,” Minister Westford said, commenting on her trip to the area.
The Minister who was accompanied by the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Jugool Narine and Regional Engineer, Tahal Dennis visited Little Biaboo, Joe Hook and several other communities in the Mahaica Creek where she distributed feed to farmers for their animals.
Minister of Public Service speaking with farmers of Little Baiboo
She said after consultations with farmers, “a decision was made to build high ground for farmers and for their animals,” to avoid massive losses in the event of flooding.
A decision was also taken to have a shelter established at the Biaboo Government School following an assessment of the situation.
“Farmers in the area were yesterday advised to move their animals to high ground which they did, and today they were pleased to receive the feed provided,” Minister Westford said.
The Public Service Minister is expected to return tomorrow to continue further assessments of the area and to assist with the distribution of animal feed.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries Other Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh will also visit the Region tomorrow with health officials who will provide veterinary assistance.
Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo also undertook an aerial assessment of the situation in Region Six.
Other Ministers of Government were deployed to Regions Two, Three and Six to undertake flood assessments and relief interventions.
The Task Force’s decision was made in light of the severe pressure exerted on the water conservancy in light of heavy rainfall over the past week. This decision was made to avoid the breaching of the conservancy.
Government officials will continue to undertake assessments of the situation in various flood-affected areas with an aim to render as much assistance as possible to ease residents’ plight.
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