Work commences to fix breached dams at Alness, Salton
Work has commenced fixing breached dams at Alness and Salton Villages on the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Rice, other crops and animal farmers could not get to their farms as overflowing water had made sections of the access dam impassable.
There are in excess of 3000 acres within the two villages under rice cultivation. Additionally, citrus and cash crops are also planted in what farmers refer to as the backlands.
The state of the dams at Alness and Salton Villages earlier this week
On Thursday, an excavator from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) went into the access dam and began work.
Two days ago, this publication highlighted the plight of those farmers who were battling as much as two feet of water which was covering some sections of the dam.
Some rice farmers had noted that some of their rice should be harvested in two weeks but at the time was under water and they had no access to take pumps to the fields to pump the water out.
On Thursday farmers eagerly watched as breaches were being sealed and the dam filled to allow access.
Samual Rajgopaul one rice farmer with about 90 acres under rice cultivation told this publication he is pleased to see the developments taking place.
“This was very bad because during the rain the tubing blow away due to the water that was running over the dam. So, we did not get much access to go down at the backdam and then people would quarrel if you try to use the other dam; they don’t allow you to use it. Now we will get to go into the backdam because it is coming to reaping time now. This is what we really need – even before now,” the elderly farmer said.
A National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) excavator working to fix one of the breaches
Meanwhile, another farmer, Mahindra Tulsi who had to park his motorbike as he got to the breach and walked into the water stomach high on Monday, expressed delight at the fact that an excavator had come to their rescue.
“Awe thankful that we get the machine fo do the drainage. Is a big help out fo we right now,” the farmer who cultivates 40 acres of rice said.
He also expressed gratitude that tubes were supplied which will allow for water to flow beneath the dam and not on it.
Tulsi explained that his main focus at this time is being able to bring his paddy from the fields when it is harvested within a few days. However, farmers have expressed concern that even though the excavator was sent to the area the operator was only instructed to do revetment. However, after dialog with the operator, an agreement was reached that he will undertake the needed work. (G4)
