$12B for drainage, irrigation development countrywide
Guyanese can expect major drainage and irrigation interventions this year with some $12 billion to be made available through the 2021 National Budget.
Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance made the announcement in the National Assembly on Friday, while presenting Government’s $383.1 billion fiscal package.
The Finance Minister said the drainage and irrigation network is one of the primary support structures for the agriculture sector.
“Our agenda to promote production, diversification and flood risk management is reinforced by our substantial investments in this sector.”
The Minister said the money allocated demonstrates the PPP/C Government’s commitment to supporting the drainage and irrigation systems. Works this year include the construction and rehabilitation of pump stations at Adventure, Black Bush Polder, Cottage and Montrose and supporting over 54,000 acres of coastal farm lands.
The procurement of two excavators and a pontoon to desilt channels in the Pomeroon river, facilitating improved access to farms, and development of water harvesting mechanisms to support farms in the South Central Rupununi are all part of the agenda Dr. Singh said.
He relayed that these interventions will result in a reduction of vulnerability and flood risks by promoting climate resilience.
“The reduction of risk and losses will encourage increased production of rice, coconut, vegetables, fruits and livestock in these areas,” he added.
Meanwhile the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) had exhausted about $1.6 billion for capital projects while over $5 billion was spent for recurrent works.
NDIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Fredrick Flatts told DPI the agency had successfully established seven pump stations located at Devonshire Castle and Hampton Court on the Essequibo Coast; Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara; Hope, East Coast Demerara; Mora Point in Mahaicony Creek and at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne.
Additionally, three mobile pumps were also procured: two were installed at South Ruimveldt and Sussex Street. Those machines were purchased at a cost of US$3.6 million.
After the budget reading Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha said he anticipates a productive year and is ready to work with the heads of the various agriculture agencies to transform the sector.