Several farms along the Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are currently inundated due to intense rainfall compounded by high tides.
Farms at Malbourgh, Hackney, Lildale, Martindale and other low-lying areas in the Lower Pomeroon are covered with flood waters. Farmers have so far lost pear plants, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, suckers and young coconut trees that were at various stages of growth.
Meanwhile, schools in the Martindale and Lildale areas have recorded a significant drop in attendance due to breaches in the river dam along the pathway leading to the school.
Pomeroom farmers in flood waters
Members from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on Monday visited several areas and inspections were conducted. The team was led by head of the RDC Devanand Ramdatt and was accompanied by Regional Executive Officer, Deryck Persaud; RDC Councillors Vilma Da Silva, Arnold Adams and Hardat Narine; along with regional engineers from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority and sea defence.
A farmer holding his pear plant
Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said while it is too early to assess the situation, communities in the entire Pomeroon are flooded. He said during interactions with cash crop farmers, the need was expressed for more emploldering in the area in an effort to strengthen the drainage and irrigation network system.
Ramdatt is calling on the Agriculture Ministry to start an assessment within the area to see what relief can be given to farmers. Farmers have lost hundreds of pear plants and suckers, Regional Chairman said. He also noted that several dams were eroded, creating breaches and major overtopping.
He also called for early intervention by the Agriculture Ministry in assisting flood affected areas, as most of the farmers in those areas depend solely on farming to sustain their livelihoods.
Additionally, the Lilydale river dam has been breached. (Indrawattie Natram)
