Hydromet Dept. gets $66M to fix operational deficiencies

The Government is making significant strides to recondition operations at the Hydrometeorology Department to improve its accommodation, data collection and operational deficiency. 

Of the $22.6 billion allocated to the Agriculture sector this year, $66 million has been earmarked to expand hydromet services.

Minister of Agriculture Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha during a recent tour of the National Weather Watch Centre, located at Hyde Park, Timehri

During a recent tour of the National Weather Watch Centre at Hyde Park, Timehri, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha said there would be no laidback approach to addressing the insufficiencies at the centre. 

“I have received a number of complaints. First of all, the suitability of the people who are here, they prefer to be at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), and I am exploring the possibility of acquiring a space at that airport for the office to be housed to accommodate more persons.”

The Hydromet Department is tasked with observing, archiving and understanding Guyana’s weather and climate.

It also provides meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic services to support Guyana’s national needs and international obligations.

Consequently, Minister Mustapha believes that the proposal made by staff to relocate will allow the nation to receive accurate weather forecast while simultaneously aiding aviation operations.

Minister of Agriculture Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha during a recent tour of the National Weather Watch Centre, located at Hyde Park, Timehri

“Generally, the Government is trying to make the workers comfortable, and in that way, they can work effectively and provide Guyana with the necessary information as precise as possible,” Minister Mustapha relayed. 

He stressed the importance of the venture, noting that with the significant investments being made in the agriculture sector now, it is essential that agriculturists receive precise weather details.   

“Guyana is an oil and gas producing country now, so these interventions are also important regarding determining the weather pattern,” the Minister added.

Minister Mustapha said the Hydrometeorological Service’s general responsibility includes monitoring and evaluating the weather and water resources in Guyana. At the same time, it actively supports the Government in disaster risk management and aeronautical, water, agriculture, engineering, and other agencies for the country’s socio-economic development. 

The Department is the official provider of weather, water and climate information and related products and services for Guyana.

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