The US.8 million Japan grant for phase two of the rehabilitation of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) was on Tuesday transferred to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) at Flagstaff,
Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, Japanese Ambassador Mitsuhiko Okada and NDIA CEO Frederick Flatts
East Coast Demerara.
The project, which stemmed from an agreement by the Japanese Government and the previous Administration in 2007, was divided into two phases.
Under phase one, eight excavators, two pontoons, aluminium boats along with engines, 4×4 trucks, GPS devices and laptops were procured.
Under phase two, US$3.8 million was provided by the Japanese Government through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency for the rehabilitation of six structures within the EDWC, at Sarah Johanna, Nancy, Annandale, Hope, Shanks and Maduni.
Making brief remarks at the handing over ceremony were Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, Japanese Ambassador Mitsuhiko Okada and NDIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fredericks Flatts.
Holder, in a statement released on the Government Information Agency site, said that “… after the 2005 floods, the East Demerara Water Conservancy’s Northern Relief Channel project was designed to provide the means to release excess water in the conservancy when it is in danger of overtopping and breach”.
The Minister further explained that “rehabilitation of the East Demerara Water Conservancy- Component II” has realised construction and rehabilitation of six of the network’s 33 intake/relief structures to protect the EDWC dam from overtopping and collapsing during rainy seasons.
Ambassador Okada said that climate change was a matter of great concern to all. “I would like to commend the efforts of the different agencies involved for bringing the project to completion. Japan is committed to supporting developing countries in overcoming vulnerabilities and creating strategies to withstand the effects of climate change as evidenced by this grant.”
After being taken on his second tour to the project site by boat, the Japanese Ambassador expressed satisfaction and said his Government stood ready to help the people and Government of Guyana in the execution of suitable projects to aid in the country’s development.
NDIA CEO Flatts made similar comments as Minister Holder, adding that the 20 engineers who were trained in dam management, flood control and repairs recently.
These works will complement the Hope Canal project.
