Hampton Court/Windsor Castle rice lands flooded

− pumps out of operation due to lack of fuel

Rice farmers living in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) continue to struggle to upkeep the industry and are constantly battling many challenges, including excessive water in their rice fields.

The condition of the dams in the area leading to the rice fields
The condition of the dams in the area leading to the rice fields

Those living in the Hampton Court and Windsor Castle areas are predominately affected and many are blaming the situation on the negligence of the Region Two administration. Hundreds of acres of rice lands are reportedly inundated with water.

Another affected farmer pointing to the clogged trench
Another affected farmer pointing to the clogged trench

Added to the flooding, farmers are also struggling with the deplorable condition of the dams leading to the rice lands.
The affected farmers explained that they are forced to incur additional expenses to pump water out of their fields, in an effort to save their rice crop – which, for many, is their only source of income.
When Guyana Times visited the affected areas on Tuesday, the water on the lands matched the level of the water in the nearby drainage trenches. The farmers explained that they would soon be harvesting and the water would affect their harvest.
They also said the pumps that were put into operation to assist the area are currently out of order, allegedly due to a lack of fuel. They said too that the Windsor Castle pump is in need of a filter.
One farmer disclosed that the pump attendant at Windsor Castle is known to be disrespectful and would often shun the farmers when they ask questions.
The businessmen are calling for immediate intervention by the Agriculture Ministry and the Region Two administration to save their crops.
Acting Regional Chairman Nandranie Coonjah, when contacted, confirmed that there is sufficient fuel to fill the pumps, but there is a lack of transportation and labourers.
She also disclosed that machinery, including the region’s tractor and plough are currently inoperable, awaiting repairs.
Reports were forwarded to the Agriculture Ministry, officials from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and Regional Accounting Officer Rupert Hopkinson, to follow up on the issue.