56 farms at Paruima destroyed by floodwaters

…Sukhai assures flood victims of Govt’s support

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai has assured flood victims of Paruima, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), of the Government’s continued support to help them cope with the devastation.
Sukhai was accompanied by teams from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.
The Department of Public Information reported that the Minister told the gathering that their safety is a priority.
She added that the Irfaan Ali-led Government will not neglect the people in their time of need, noting that the Administration will make interventions to ensure that they are safe.
Head of CDC’s assessment team in the Upper Mazaruni district, Captain Hubern Collins told residents that the agency is responding to their needs.
“It was hard to get here. It was a very long [boat] ride and all of those things but the CDC insisted that we come to this village here because you are far out and, of course, the village is very important and your experiences will teach us a lot, in how to handle this flood,” he said.
Meanwhile, Extension Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in Paruima, Leyland Williams said some 56 farmers were affected by the flood, which was caused by heavy rainfall and overtopping of the Kamarang River.
Williams said years ago villagers farmed on the mountains, but relocated to lower grounds as wild hogs would destroy their farms. However, now that the farms are on lower grounds, the water has caused many cassava tubers to rot.
Sukhai has since instructed the Village Council to ensure residents’ welfare is not compromised by the floods. She also cautioned residents to avoid the floodwaters, especially as the pandemic prevails.
The more than five feet of water has already begun receding in the village. She said more assessments will be conducted in other areas. Assessments have already been done in Waramadong, Kako, Jawalla, Kamarang, Quebanang, Imbaimadai, Omanaik, Kambaru and Abou.
The Minister’s assessment is part of a wider Government plan to ensure persons affected by the countrywide flooding receive support.
Government Ministers have been fanning out across the country to ensure residents are safe and provisions have been made for them as they endure the floods.
President Ali is leading the mission. To date he has already visited communities in Regions Two, Six, Seven and 10, assuring persons of Government’s support in the wake of this natural disaster.