Ministry of Agriculture remains fully committed to addressing challenges posed by seasonal flooding

Dear Editor,
The Ministry of Agriculture acknowledges the recent concerns expressed regarding the flooding in Johanna and Yakasari, Black Bush Polder, and wishes to provide clarity on the status of ongoing flood mitigation infrastructure projects in Regions Three, Five, and Six.
The Ministry of Agriculture remains fully committed to addressing the challenges posed by seasonal flooding, and ensuring the long-term protection of farmlands, communities, and livelihoods.
In April 2022, a national commitment was made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a Cabinet Outreach in Berbice to significantly strengthen Guyana’s flood management capacity.
A series of major investments were announced to tackle persistent flooding issues, with one of the flagship undertakings being the construction of a high-level Hope-like Canal in Region 6. Similar high-level canals are also being constructed in Regions Three and Five.
Since that time, substantial progress has been made on various components of the wider flood mitigation programme, which is among the largest water management efforts in Guyana’s post-independence history.
Construction of the main flood embankment stretching from Vreid-en-Vencap to Manabesse along the right bank of the Canje Creek has been completed. This embankment is critical in controlling the flow of water and protecting agricultural lands. Complementing this structure, internal drainage works are now ninety percent completed and functioning in tandem with the embankment to manage rainfall run-off.
Additionally, active construction is ongoing on two high-level Hope-like canals at Lancaster and at the #51/#52 area, which form the backbone of the Region Six drainage strategy. Furthermore, contracts have already been awarded for the construction of the high-level discharge sluice, a major feature of the system designed to efficiently evacuate excess water.
It is important to note that while planning and design commenced in 2022, physical works on the Hope-like Canal initiative officially began in the last quarter of 2024. Given the complexity and scale of the project, it is progressing in line with technical timelines and resource planning.
For comparison, the original Hope Canal took approximately three years to complete. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is ensuring that all works are executed to the highest engineering and environmental standards while advancing as quickly as possible across multiple sites simultaneously.
This project, along with several others being implemented across the country, represents a transformative step in Guyana’s national infrastructure landscape. The scale, scope, and integrated design of these drainage and irrigation systems are unmatched in the country’s history, and are aimed at creating a more climate-resilient and agriculturally productive future.
The Ministry of Agriculture remains focused on delivering results and will continue to update the public on the progress of this critical infrastructure.
Every effort is being made to ensure the timely completion of the high-level canal and its supporting structures so that the residents and farmers in Regions Three, Five, and Six can experience tangible and lasting relief from the impacts of flooding.

Yours truly,
Janell Cameron,
Communications
Director,
Agriculture Ministry