Additional development in store for Black Bush Polder
- significant allocations made over the last few years
A GINA Feature
Georgetown , GINA, September 14, 2004
Government has over the years continued to invest significant resources in the installation of infrastructure and the provision of proper social services throughout the country. Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) has seen development in many areas, including the improvement of drainage and irrigation systems, roads, bridges and social services.
Earlier this year, the area, primarily a farming community received assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) with the construction of a research centre and plant nursery at the cost of $8M. The Research Centre is providing technical assistance to farmers, along with seedlings, plants for cultivation and information needed by farmers to improve their farming techniques in the Region.
Meanwhile, $80M is expended annually on infrastructural works including the rehabilitation of roads, drainage systems and other infrastructure. Another development was the construction of a post office, enhancing communications in the area.
The schools in the area have been rehabilitated over the years. These include four nursery schools, four primary schools and one secondary school.
To assist in effective drainage and irrigation in Black Bush Polder, two new drainage pumps have been installed at a cost of $180M.
Additionally, President Bharrat Jagdeo recently pledged approximately $36M for the maintenance of the internal drainage network in Black Bush Polder. This commitment was made after representations by farmers and the Regional Administration.
This is in addition to the allocation made in the Regional Budget for works in the area, and will be used to clear canals at Lesbeholden, Yakusari, Johanna and Mibicuri.
The Regional Democratic Council started awarding contracts to farmers in the communities for the maintenance of their drainage systems. This help in ensuring that the works effected are done in a proper manner and help to create employment for residents.
Works being effected this year by the Region include the clearing of the Black Bush Polder main irrigation canals, the Lesbeholden frontland distributaries, the Manarabisi and Seafort canals. Black Bush Polder is an agricultural area and farmers are usually affected by heavy rainfall and, at times, lack of water during the dry season.
Residents praised the President for his intervention, since it will assist them tremendously. They noted that the intervention is a positive one which shows Government's respect for farmers and will enhance production in the area and the lives of residents.
Government has also recently signed an agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for an investment component for the agriculture sector, the Agricultural Support Services Programme (ASSP). This provides for the establishment of Water Users Associations (WUAs) to support proper maintenance of the drainage and irrigation schemes and allows farmers themselves to play an integral role in the management of their water supply. Black Bush Polder and Crabwood Creek in the Region are benefiting from this initiative.
2003 Expenditure
Drainage and Irrigation
- A total of 92 canals were maintained at the cost of $29.5M.
- Through the National Drainage and Irrigation Board, the Region received a subvention of $5M which was used to rehabilitate eight canals. This includes canals at Mibicuri North and South, Yakusari South and Johanna South.
- The total number of canals rehabilitated in the year was 100 at a cost of $34.5M.
- Through the National Drainage and Irrigation Board, the out-fall channels at Eversham and Lesbeholden were excavated at a cost of $4.8M.
- The Region spent $22M for the supply of fuel and lubricants for irrigation pumps at Black Bush Polder.
2004 Expenditure
According to the Regional Administration, the expenditure for this year on canals is approximately $59.3M. This caters for the maintenance of 125 canals.
- Under bridges, the Region will be rehabilitating the Number Two and Main Bridge at Yakusari at a cost of $3.5 M.
- Under the Region's allocation for education, the Johanna Primary School will be rehabilitated at a cost of approximately $0.5M.
- Under health, the Mibicuri Hospital will be rewired at a cost of $3M and a concrete walkway will be constructed.
- Community roads and footpaths will be constructed this year at Yakusari, Johanna, Mibicuri and Lesbeholden at a cost of $8M.
- The Ministry of Public Works has also allocated approximately $23M for the rehabilitation of roads.
- Overall, funds to be expended in Black Bush Polder for this year amount to $102.4M.
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