Enmore–Hope assured of reduced flooding – New drainage pump commissions
DPI, Guyana, Friday, July 20, 2018
Residents of Enmore-Hope and surrounding communities can now be assured of a lower risk of flooding during the rainy season. The Ministry of Agriculture through the Agricultural Sector Development Unit today commissioned a new pump house and drainage pump as efforts continue to increase the drainage efficiency of coastal Guyana.
Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder said this is in keeping with the government’s drive to improve drainage on the low-lying coast where most of the country’s population reside.
“Since assuming office in 2015, this government has made determined efforts to grapple with the deficiencies in the drainage and irrigation systems throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. We have re-organised the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to manage water in a more deliberate and structured manner, looking at the unique needs of each region and allocating the resources to implement the relevant plans,” Minister Holder said.
The newly commissioned drainage asset is valued at more than $400Million subsidised under the IDB funded Conservancy Adaptation Project’ (CAP).
Pierre Nadji of the World Bank in brief remarks encouraged those present to not lose focus on the importance of flood risk management despite the country’s soon-to-be-realized oil producing status. He applauded the government for its efforts to improve drainage and irrigation.
“Flooding is an everyday threat, but pumping station affects positively the life of everyday citizens across the society and this is a work that is ongoing and must be continued. I have been supervising the Guyana programme for four years and I have noted a very solid acceleration of achievements in the past two years. For that I really commend the government and the local communities,” the World Bank representative said.
Meanwhile, Darcy Basdeo a resident who has lived in Enmore north for almost 40 years said
“I am so happy today to know that we have a new pumping station because when we had the koker it wasn’t working well. You used to get water to your knees, to your waist and all these things. So, with this pump, the next generation will benefit, the elderly resident said.
The Enmore Hope drainage pump station represents the third such to be commissioned under the conservancy adaptation programme. The facility can displace an estimated 1,200 gallons of water per second. There are other stations located at Lusignan and Buxton.
By: Kidackie Amsterdam