Periods of brief sunshine on Friday brought some relief to several residential areas across Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), but farmers’ fears linger as their rice lands remain threatened by floodwaters.Guyana Times was informed that the sense of relief was brought on by the dry weather conditions that persisted throughout Friday, coupled with several working excavators that had been deployed by the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). These excavators were transported to the communities of Fairfield, De Hoop, Catherine and Bath Settlement at the beginning of the current rainy season.
Inundated rice lands in Esau and Jacobs, Mahaicony
According to reports received, much of the farmlands, mainly rice lands, remain inundated. The affected areas include Burma, Mahaicony and Mahaica, while farmlands in the West Berbice villages of Foulis and Belladrum are also threatened by floodwaters. Guyana Times was told that operatives of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and other Councillors in the region have been meeting with residents and farmers in the affected areas, while the relevant authorities, such as NDIA and MMA-ADA have been officially engaged and are onboard in efforts to alleviate the situation.
Earlier this week, this publication had received reports of rising floodwaters affecting theMahaica and Mahaicony areas, Burma and villages in the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) of Union-Naarstigheid, Profit-Rising Sun and Seafield-Tiempe.
Many rice farmers, especially in Burma, Mahaica and Mahaicony reported losses, while others have been safeguarding their crops by ensuring that excess water is pumped off of their lands.
Up to Wednesday, farmers were still seen draining excess water from their lands. Guyana Times however, understands that many farmers have complained that continued pumping of water is adding to their expenses. These farmers have expressed hope that Central Government would provide assistance in the acquisition of fuel to continue this practice.
In an Agriculture Ministry press conference late last month, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had noted several relief measures for 2017 to address the ongoing the flood situation. He disclosed that the MMA-ADA plans to commence the construction of a $300 million sluice at De Edward to replace the 50-year-old existing structure.
“This will enhance drainage of all residential areas and agricultural land between the Abary and Berbice rivers. Additionally, we will commence Phase Two of the Abary/Mahaicony conservancy with the construction of a 4.5 mile main canal and 10 mile dam. This proposed dam will extend the current Abary/Berbice conservancy to service agricultural lands between the Abary and Mahaicony rivers,” the Agriculture Minister announced on December 29, 2016.
After a four-day period (December 23-27) of torrential downpours across Region Five, residents were forced to battle the rising water levels.Farmers along villages in the Mahaicony had explained that their rice crops would be destroyed if the rain continued.
