Georgetown, GINA, February 7, 2012

Six of the 10 administrative regions have been adversely affected during the current La Nina weather condition being experienced and, Government has kicked in with more interventions to bring relief to inundated areas.

Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 have been affected by the heavier than normal rainfall over the last few days, causing the drainage system to be challenged.

The level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) had risen to 58.6GD, on Monday, but dropped today to 58.50 GD.

The Agriculture Ministry said the Maduni sluice continues to be open to drain water from the conservancy and as soon as the situation changes, the sluice will be closed. This measure has been taken to maintain the integrity of the conservancy’s dams.

Interventions

The Ministry this evening reported that while water has receded significantly in the Pomeroon, Region 2, the level remained high and Government was in the process of moving more equipment to the area.

In Region Three, farming areas such as Canals Polder, Parika Back, Hague Back and Ruby Back have flooding with some high tide related water at Cornelia Ida. Work is being done on various structures to enable the water to recede faster in these areas.

In Region 4, water in most areas has receded as pumps and sluices continue to operate while the main and secondary drains have been cleaned.

In Region 5, there is flooding in Mahaica and Mahaicony and Abary Creek areas where 12 excavators and several mobile pumps have been put into operation to assist farmers.

There is flooding in Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, Region 6 where work is being done to the Number 43 outfall.

On Monday, President Donald Ramotar, accompanied by Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy visited the flood affected areas in Region 5 where they met with farmers. The President assured them that the Administration will ensure that their livelihoods are protected.

Other Government officials have also been visiting the affected areas to interact with farmers and residents and to determine what interventions are needed.