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Water wastage in Region Two as dry spell approaches
Rice plot on the Essequibo Coast
Water continues to plays an integral role in farming communities on the Essequibo Coast. There are now claims, which indicate that there is a possible misuse of water within the Region.
This long-standing issue was raised again at the level of the Regional Democratic Council, by an RDC councillor just last Tuesday at the region’s statutory meeting. The councillor, who is also a member of the Guyana Rice Development Board [GRDB], said that he is very concerned about how water is being managed in Region Two.
Thousands of acres of rice plots in this agricultural region are heavily dependent on a steady flow of water, especially since the sowing season is soon to commence.
Water is basically being supplied by the region’s Drainage and Irrigation [D&I] Department. Systems such as the Good Hope relief structure, along with additional water gauges were installed some time ago to curb the wastage of water in the region.
The councillor claimed last Tuesday, however, that instead of regulating water for an entire block, the D&I Department at times regulates water for individual famers. He added, “The D&I Department opens water for only one person. Just recently, rice was harvesting and there was this one farmer who needed water in that area. He wanted the water to be supplied while other farmers were harvesting.” The councillor noted that the Department should not please one farmer, while endangering the crops of others.
The councillor also pointed out that there are predictions of an incoming dry season, which is expected to hover over Guyana for an extensive period. Farmers were then advised by the Ministry to conserve and closely monitor their water supply.
It was brought out at the RDC last Tuesday that if farmers in Region Two fail to conserve on their water supplies, then there can be severe consequences affecting the next crop. It was recommended however, that farmers need to work in groups so that there can be a more systematic supply of water within the region. [Romario Blair.]
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