Corentyne farmers call for new pumps after severe flooding

Dec 14, 2012 News

Angry Berbice farmers are calling on government for two new pumps after severe flooding recently.
At a council meeting of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, the issue was raised.
According to the Chamber in a release yesterday, its members are “angry and upset at the seemingly casual, irresponsible and lackadaisical approach by the authorities that caused farmers to lose approximately 600 acres of rice in Region 6, mainly in the front lands from No. 51 to Alness.”
In some instances, entire crops were lost. In other areas, the yields were affected, the main reason being the non-operable pumps at Black Bush Polder and Manarabissi. This resulted in a totally inadequate supply of water to the above areas, the Chamber said.
“It was only after agitated farmers gathered at the Ministry of Agriculture that the President (Donald Ramotar) intervened and two of the pumps were put into operation after repairs were effected.”
In a rice-producing area highly dependent on water, it is “callous” that the pumps were allowed to deteriorate, the statement noted.
“At present, about 22,000 acres of front lands on the Corentyne, from No. 51 to Alness, are undergoing rice cultivation. The Chamber is therefore recommending two new units for Black Bush Polder and one for Manarabissi.”
The Chamber has also blasted the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) over the blackout situation there.
“On GPL, members expressed outrage at the appalling power situation in Berbice with, seemingly, no solution in sight. Not a day goes by without blackouts. We are asking GPL to take whatever steps necessary to ensure a smooth and continuous power supply at this important time of the year for businesses, residents and visitors to Berbice.”
The Berbice business group also said that its members had attended a recent meeting with the police top brass in the county and expressed satisfaction as well as commended the Commander for presenting a comprehensive plan for law enforcement in the entire Berbice, especially during the Christmas season.
“We are optimistic that the Police will be effective and keep crime to a minimum, but we also urge the business community and all residents and visitors to take the utmost precaution during this period.”

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Corentyne farmers call for new pumps after severe flooding

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