Govt to resurvey Cane Grove as residents seek relief from flooding

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and several Cabinet colleagues on Friday visited Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD) where they met with residents and farmers to assess concerns affecting the community, particularly drainage, agricultural access, and the use of public reserves. During a walkthrough of the area, Mustapha observed that the reserves where an interlocking drainage system previously existed have largely been occupied by residents, leaving the area without an effective drainage network. He said this has contributed to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
“The main issue is residential drainage. We did a walkthrough of the area. We noticed that all the reserves where the interlocking drainage system existed have been taken up by residents. There is no drainage system in the area, so when there is heavy rainfall, flooding occurs. We will have to resurvey the area to see how drainage channels can be established. Until that is done, this area cannot have effective drainage,” the Minister said.

He said a detailed assessment will be conducted and a report prepared for submission to President Dr Irfaan Ali, outlining the situation and possible interventions. The Minister said the Ministry will continue working with residents as the necessary steps are taken to address the drainage challenges.
During the engagement, cattle farmers also raised concerns about the need to improve drainage in their pastures, while residents called for the clearing of dams that have been occupied for cultivation. Mustapha explained that the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) has been asked to issue notices to persons cultivating on the dams. Those persons will be allowed to harvest their existing crops but will be required not to replant once the current crops are harvested. He also noted that the Government will work with the affected farmers to identify suitable plots of land where they can continue their agricultural activities while ensuring that the dams and other public spaces are restored for their intended purposes. “We do not want their livelihoods to be affected, but at the same time, we have to consider the well-being of all the residents here,” Mustapha said.