Numerous rice fields, particularly in the area encompassing Walton Hall to Sparta Villages in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), were damaged as a result of flooding between December 25, 2016 and January 5, 2017.
According to Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah, an assessment is currently being conducted by officials from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).
Coonjah said to date approximately 320 acres of rice had been damaged in the
Inundated rice fields
Walton Hall-Sparta area, but farmers from Perseverance, Devonshire Castle, Coffee Grove, Hampton Court and Cullen also lost their rice crop. She said, therefore, those figures would be included in the total acreage damaged.
Meanwhile, Region Two has continued to experience heavy rainfall over the past few weeks compounded with poor drainage, which has resulted in much water accumulating on farmland across the Region. Initially, there were some issues with the pumps in the Region, including lack of fuel, but after interventions, the pumps became operational.
Coonjah said all sluices and regulators were also functioning in the various communities.
