Govt intends to complete the MMA/ADA Project
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, November 26, 2019
The administration plans to execute Phases Two and Three of the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary/Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA) project in Region 5.
The Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan, made this announcement during an engagement at Onderneeming, Mahaica-Berbice Sunday last.
Phase One of the three-stage MMA/ADA project was commissioned by the late President LFS Burnham in 1982; however, the other two phases were put on hold due to the unavailability of funding which, at that time, could have been acquired only through international agencies. Phase One of the project area caters to the Abary – Berbice area, while the other phases would cover Abary – Mahaicony, and Mahaicony – Mahaica.
The venture comprises a massive network of drainage and irrigation canals, and when completed would allow farmers within the project area to cultivate their various crops without depending upon rainfall; as water from the constructed conservancy can be accessed throughout the year. The system also allows for individual farmers to be able to drain or irrigate their farms without affecting their neighbours and is also designed to afford farmers easy access to their farms via the roads which are part of the project.
Minister Ramjattan told his audience that while there will be huge revenue from the oil industry, “the government is committed to the development of the agriculture sector and will continue to support the farmers.”
This backing, he noted, is demonstrated in the plan to complete the MMA/ADA project.
He reminded those gathered that under the current administration “Guyanese have seen inclusive development rather than improvement being focused on areas perceived to be the stronghold of any one party as was done by the previous administration. Many hinterland communities now boast of improved roads. New police stations have been built, and many rehabilitated, thereby improving the conditions of work for the men and women in uniform. Further, the policing divisions have been brought in line with the regional districts thereby allowing for a Regional Commander for each Region and better management improvement in the quality of service provided by the police.”