Latest update April 12th, 2026 12:50 AM
Natural Resources Ministry tackles El Niño impact on hinterland, mining areas
The Ministry of Natural Resources is collaborating with other government agencies to bring relief where possible to areas hardest hit by drought conditions as a result of El Niño. This weather pattern is currently prevailing in Guyana and other South American countries.
According to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, his Ministry is coordinating with the various agencies to see how best a response can be made to “ameliorate the effects of drought, particularly in Regions Eight and Nine”. These areas are facing what the Minister described as “acute drought conditions”.
Interventions will see the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) transporting water to affected communities. The Ministry will also assist, where necessary, the National Parks or Protected Areas Commission with efforts to save animals such as the Arapaima, or other species, if their habitats are endangered.
With regard to mining areas, Minister Trotman said that El Niño has resulted in some of these being flooded and others facing a severe lack of water. He explained that where there is no water available, “mining grinds to a halt and there is nothing you can do about that”.
The heads of agencies have been tasked with compiling reports on the affected areas. The reports, the Minister stated, will be presented to his ministry within days.
Among the agencies that are collaborating to bring relief to possible areas hardest hit by drought conditions are the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Communities, and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
Citizens are being urged to conserve water and avoid wastage as the water level in conservancies has dropped significantly. GWI has been forced to reduce pumping hours in Georgetown as a result of the reduced level in the East Demerera Water Conservancy (EDWC).
The drought conditions are expected to last until March.
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