Machines deployed, systems active as Reg 6 battles excess water

Heavy-duty machinery has been deployed across key drainage points in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) as authorities intensify efforts to remove excess water following days of persistent rainfall, with Regional Chairman Junior Basant maintaining that systems are working even as challenges persist in some areas and pressure mounts on rice lands. Social media posts over the past several days have pointed to growing flooding concerns across parts of the region, particularly along the Corentyne Coast. Reports have highlighted water accumulation in communities such as Corriverton, with residents indicating that yards and farmlands were inundated following persistent rainfall. Similar concerns have been raised in agricultural areas, especially in Black Bush Polder, where excess water has placed additional pressure on drainage systems and farmlands.

At the same time, authorities have been conducting ground assessments and implementing measures aimed at easing the situation, including drainage works and support for affected residents and farmers. The situation unfolded against the backdrop of advisories from the Hydrometeorological Service of Guyana warning of prolonged and intense rainfall between March 23 and March 31, with an increased risk of flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Against this backdrop, Basant in an invited comment said, regional officials have been actively monitoring conditions and responding where necessary. “We have been continuously on the ground monitoring the situation across Region Six, and I am pleased to say that the systems we have in place have been working and continue to function,” he said. He noted that teams, including Member of Parliament (MP) Zamal Hussain and other officials, have been deployed across affected areas to ensure that drainage systems remain operational. Basant pointed to ongoing works across the region, including the deployment of heavy-duty equipment to clear key drainage channels. “As of now, we have an amphibious machine clearing outfalls in the Adventure and Number 43 areas, while another machine is working in Alness and moving towards Liverpool to clear the trenches and ensure the free flow of water,” he explained. “These works are being carried out to ensure that nothing hampers the flow of water from the land into the Atlantic so that residents can see a reduction in excess water as quickly as possible,” the Regional Chairman added. However, he acknowledged that not all systems have been performing at the desired level. “Some systems have not been working as we would have liked, and we have had to make adjustments, including changes to sluice operations and personnel to improve efficiency,” Basant said. He also highlighted specific concerns in parts of East Bank Berbice (EBB), where water has been lodging on farmlands. “In the East Bank Berbice area, we are seeing water lodging in people’s lands due to issues with drainage access and we are working to have those addressed,” he noted. At the same time, Basant credited major drainage infrastructure for helping to mitigate the situation, particularly in agricultural areas. “The Hope-like Canal in the Black Bush and Central Corentyne areas has been working tremendously during this period, helping to remove and store water effectively,” he said. He also pointed to improvements in New Amsterdam, noting that the town has so far avoided the kind of flooding seen during similar weather events in the past. “This is one of the first times we are seeing heavy rainfall, and New Amsterdam is not flooded and that is due to the systems and works currently in place,” Basant said, adding that a regional machine remains active in the town to clear drainage channels. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that while coastal and residential areas in Region Six have not experienced major flooding, attention is now focused on agricultural lands where water remains in some fields. “In the rice-growing areas, including Region Six, we are seeing water still in some fields, and we are now carrying out assessments,” the Minister said. He noted that efforts are underway to minimise potential losses to farmers. “We are working with farmers to drain those areas as much as possible to mitigate any losses,” Mustapha explained. He added that pumps have been deployed to assist with drainage in cultivation areas as authorities work to reduce the impact of excess rainfall.
“We have not completed a full assessment yet because we have to wait until the water recedes completely,” he said. Both officials indicated that while the situation remains under pressure due to recent rainfall, ongoing interventions and improving weather conditions are expected to bring relief in the coming days.