Round-the-clock surveillance as rainfall intensifies

Jun 25, 2008 News

In light of intense rainfall experienced over the past few days across Guyana, the Ministry of Agriculture has been closely monitoring the situation.

As a routine check to make sure that pumps and sluices are operational, Minister Robert Persaud and a team from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) yesterday visited and inspected pumps and sluices at Greenfield, Hope and Bare Root, East Coast Demerara.

Other Drainage and Irrigation teams have been making inspection in other areas. The Minister noted yesterday that over the previous 24 hours the coastland experienced in excess of three inches of rainfall. Given that the drainage system can deal with a maximum of 1.5 inches per hour the Minister noted that close monitoring must be done to ensure that no problem arises.

Only Canal No. 2 Polder, Region Three, Cane Grove and Hope experienced some accumulation of water the Minister reported. Nevertheless, with the pumps and sluices in operation, the water has drained off.

The Minister noted that the sluice at Hope has not been functioning at its maximum capacity because of siltation. Although clearing was done earlier, the rapid pace of siltation is presenting some problems.

“But overall despite heavy rainfall, we have had isolated accumulation,” he noted. `In this regard he said that, “We are continuing to monitor the situation.” Minister Persaud emphasized that all pumps are operational other than the one that loaned to the city council in Kitty which should be in operation soon.

The pumps administered by Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) are operational, and the conservancy level is still manageable, the Mahaica/Mahaicony creeks level has gone up but is still within manageable range.

The Minister said while they have been closely monitoring the situation he urged koker attendants to be diligent.

In this instance NDIA, Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Development Authority (MMADA) and GuySuCo have been checking on the situation. He noted that during the month some above normal rainfall is expected and reiterated that the Ministry is doing its best to avoid any occurrence of water accumulation.

The next three to four days some 15 millimeters of intermittent rainfall is expected across the country.