Livestock, crops still under threat

Region 5 flooding

As the months go by, periodic flooding in several communities in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) continue to affect farmers and residents there.

Guyana Times has been reporting that residents, many of whom are farmers, are suffering crop loses and health challenges.

On Thursday, farmer Raj Ramgobin of First Savannah on the Mahaicony River told this publication that one of his calves recently perished. On a visit to some of the riverine areas by this publication last month, farmers called for a vet to make regular visits to assess and monitor their livestock.

Farmer Ramgobin further explained that his animal suffered from pneumonia which came as a result of extended periods of stagnant water which remained on the land.

Guyana Times has been also informed that although much of the river water was reduced, the water level in “the backlands” is still somewhat high.

Mosquitoes are still affecting adults and children but a doctor will visit the Mora Health Centre to assess cases, a resident stated.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal noted on Thursday that the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) and National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) have installed another pump in the Trafalgar/Union area.

He noted that this has brought some relief there. Ramphal however cautioned that “a lot of work” still needs to be done to alleviate the flooding. “The drains, the trenches need to be de-silted,” he stated.

The chairman further noted that farmers, especially in Mahaicony, who have lost cash crops are still calling for assistance to sustain their livelihood: “[In] the Mahaicony area the water has dropped a little [and] the residents are a bit more relived, however, those cash crop, rice and cattle farmers are still waiting on some form of relief from the Government.”

Ramphal posited that farmers have been facing challenges since the El Niño period and are now affected by the flooding. On this basis, he explained that farmers are hopeful they will be given assistance. “They are hoping that the Government will help them to get back on their feet again,” he stressed.

It was only last week that Guyana Times reported that adults as well as children were battling influenza, rashes and other health issues due to the stagnant water which have remained on the land in several areas.