Gov’t working assiduously to aid flood-affected Reg. 6 communities
— Minister Mustapha visits the region to listen to concerns
— conducts first-hand assessment of the situation
— three machines deployed to the region, another expected on Monday to alleviate the situation
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, August 9, 2020
Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, today visited
several flood-affected residents and farmers within communities from No. 52 to 74 villages, on the Corentyne Coast, to conduct a first-hand assessment of the situation.
Minister of Local Government, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall, as well as officials from several agriculture agencies, accompanied Minister Mustapha to the area.
Representatives from the various agriculture agencies were immediately instructed to commence an assessment on the matters highlighted and to seek ways in which these matters can be addressed.
Further, Minister Mustapha ordered that a report from the findings must be submitted tomorrow.
“What I have noticed is that they are many of the canals in the areas that need to be cleared. I have since given instructions to Engineer Mr. Flatts, the Regional Chairman and the RDC officials to come in the area [ and start working].”
According to Minister Mustapha, three machines were deployed to the East Berbice-Corentyne Region at the weekend with another expected to arrive tomorrow to aid in alleviating the residents’ situation.
“What I understood from the NDC is that they have been requesting the machines [excavator and the NDIA machine], but the machines were not given to them… when I heard this, I instructed our engineer to come immediately and dispatch two machines to the area. Another one came this morning, and another will arrive tomorrow,” he explained.
Among the concerns listed by those affected were the damage to stocks worth millions.
Further, the heavy rainfall has affected the Corentyne Coast, leaving accumulated water in yards and homes.
Shaeeda Latif, of Letter Kenney Village, who owns a poultry farm at Number 57 Village, reported a loss of over 4,000 chickens valued at approximately $3.9Million.
No. 53 village farmer, Nella Jaundo also spoke of losing her vegetables and other crops to the flood. Additionally, Jaundo lost her poultry – a $60,000 investment she made just two months ago.
The Agriculture Minister shared that residents expressed their satisfaction with his visit and the work done thus far.
“They saw that we are trying to put mechanisms in place.”
Minister Mustapha noted that this is only the beginning of more progress to come.
“I plan to visit all the areas that are affected.”