The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is currently investigating the alleged theft of fuel from the Lima pump operation.
Guyana Times was told that after receiving the report, a letter was written to Regional Executive Officer Deryck Persaud on the matter and recommended that clear findings and recommendations be provided.
Head of the RDC, Devanand Ramdatt, commenting on the issue said he heard of the allegation and as such he would like for the matter to be dealt with promptly.
“Making adequate use of available resources of the region to deliver quality service to the people of Region Two is a priority of the RDC,” Ramdatt said.
Ramdatt said while stronger systems are being implemented to address corrupt practices, cooperation from members of the public to tackle and prevent such reported malpractices is needed.
Some of the recently flooded rice fields
Region Two heavily relies on fuel to assist with drainage due to the effects of climate change since the outfalls are rapidly silting up; as such, pumps and excavators to clear the outfalls have to be put into operation.
Losing fuel through stealing directly affects more quality drainage and at times irrigation works, he added.
The RDC is encouraged by the dedicated efforts of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to tackle corruption and is committed to fostering accountability and transparency as it relates to the matter.
Only recently over 460 acres of rice lands within the Sparta and Hampton Court areas on the Essequibo Coast were inundated and rice farmers are becoming frustrated over the situation.
Farmers reported the issue to the RDC, prompting a field visit. During the visit, farmers expressed dissatisfaction over poor drainage.
Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah recently reported to the RDC that over 160 low lands in the Sparta are and 300 acres in the Windsor Castle and Hampton Court are inundated with flood water due to poor drainage compounded with heavy rainfall.
This, she said, is affecting farmers in those areas as 18,400 acres of rice lands were already sown.
