MoPI- Press Release in Response to Stabroek News Article on Ann’s Grove residents drainage problems

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 – The Ministry of Public Infrastructure wishes to respond to an article published in the Stabroek News on Thursday, January 29, 2019 under the headline “Ann’s Grove residents call for needed drainage works.” Due to this report the Ministry’s National Task Force Commission (NTFC) technical team conducted two site visits, one on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 to the Grove/ Haslington Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) and another on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 to the Community Development Council (CDC).

At the latter site visit the CDC’s Chair, Ms. Tracy James and residents from the proposed affected communities highlighted in the Stabroek article were present.  On this site visit the Ministry’s National Task Force Commission technical team observed that the Ann’s Grove east sideline areas were cleaned. It was reported by Ms. James that the front land drains were cleaned by the CDC under a contract with the National Drainage & Irrigation Authority (NDIA) while the backland was cleaned by community farmers.

Vegetation removed from Ann’s Grove East Sideline.

NDC crossing drainage ( South of old Mahaica Canal) showing encroachment of shoulders.

Ann’s Grove East Sideline Front land.

Ann’s Grove East Sideline back land.

The Ministry would also like to inform the residents of Ann’s Grove that an NDIA excavator is currently excavating drains in the backland and it will subsequently reach to the front lands to conclude works.

Like any rehabilitation works the NDIA had encountered challenges along the way. One such challenge was the encroachment of drainage shoulders to be cleaned both mechanically and manually. For example, the NDC cross drainage south of the old Mahaica canal. Despite the challenges the drain has been cleaned manually.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is pleased to notify the residents of Ann’s Grove that drainage and other infrastructural works are ongoing in this area and other alike. The Ministry’s aim is to assist farmers and residence to enjoy a clean and productive environment.

It is our Ministry’s wish that you would be kind enough to publish the above article so a balanced picture can be portrayed.