The Canje River is almost impassable as large sections are blocked by grass.
The waterway is used by loggers as well as the Regional Administration to transport fuel for major pump stations located along the River, which also irrigates Black Bush Polder, the largest rice producing area in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The River also provides the only access for riverine communities.
Concerned residents explained that they were forced to use sticks to push their boats along the grass for long distances before finding open water. On several occasions, they are forced to step out of their boats and stand on the grass to drag the boats along.
A section of the River clogged with grass
Those affected have also blamed the contractor responsible for cutting the grass for the current situation, which according to the residents, has caused blockage of more than 35 miles of the waterway.
Regional Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop, speaking with the media, said that the issue was raised with the Regional Administration and their advice was not being adhered to.
DeRoop says the Administration will be expected to transport fuel shortly to pump stations so that farmers along the Corentyne will have water in a timely manner.
He explained, “Fuel is due to go in there in another week or two and that will be a major problem for us. I am foreseeing a disaster for us. I don’t know what can be done there. If the boats cannot go in there, then the pumps will have to stop and that could mean disaster for rice farmers and cash crop farmers in the Black Bush Polder and the Corentyne. If there is no fuel there and boats cannot go in to deliver fuel, then the pumps will have to stop and with farmers now flooding their fields so it could mean disaster for us.”
When this publication visited a section of the blocked river, a thick layer of grass was seen floating upriver with the tide. The residents stated that with the current spring tide, the river might not be cleared until February if drastic steps were not taken.
