The flood situation in many of the communities in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) has persisted for nearly three months. Recently, farmers in the Mahaicony riverine communities have complained that they are still suffering losses, as the flooded backlands are where most farmlands and livestock are located. According to information obtained by this publication, the situation remains the same as flood waters in the backlands are said to be high.
On Monday, a farmer from Pine Ground, Mahaicony River, told this newspaper that his cows are affected with diarrhoea, and worms due
Scenes of the backlands flooding from Saturday in Region
to their prolonged stay in stagnant water. He requested that an anti-bacterial spray be provided for the ailing diary animals.
The man who is also father of a nursery school student explained that between May and July, many children, including his, were absent from classes as the dam became impassable. This meant the parents had the expensive undertaking of transporting their offspring by boat, which reportedly costs around $2000 return per day per child. Farmers are calling for the dam to be converted into a road.
Guyana Times further understands that sick residents, especially children were finally given medical treatment as a doctor on Sunday visited the Mora Point Health Centre as was expected and previously reported in this newspaper. While it was indicated that some children were still being affected by influenza and rashes, new reports stated that this is now decreasing.
On Sunday, this newspaper reported that many farmers along the Mahaicony River sold their current crop of “seed paddy” on Saturday out of fear the flooding would destroy their future plots for rice cultivation.
A female farmer had explained that she suffered much losses due to the prolonged flooding. The woman stated that she lost three calves and a number of crops. The farmer had estimated her losses at around $800,000 and appealed that her community be provided with food assistance.
Guyana Times had reported too that the mosquitoes in the communities have since flourished with the stagnant flood water and are affecting adults and children. It was noted that heavy rains on Friday evening into Saturday morning only added to the misery of farmers and residents as the water had risen.
