A team from the Ministry of Agriculture headed to Region Ten on Thursday to investigate the four days of flooding in several communities which caused a mudslide at Blueberry Hill and other damage.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release heavy rainfall in the region also affected the sources of creeks and caused rivers to overtop their banks. A team, comprising Minister Robert Persaud, Region Ten Chairman Mortimer Mingo, CEO at the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth and other technical personnel visited Linden, Kara Kara, Blueberry Hill and West Watooka. It was observed that the region’s drainage and irrigation system, which falls under the purview of the Mayor and Town Council of Linden, needs enhancing. However, the NDIA intervened in the crisis to provide relief to affected persons particularly farmers who suffered loss of crops and livestock.
GINA said government, through the Regional Administration, spends about $30 million annually to upgrade and maintain the D&I system especially with farmers and residents increasing interest in agricultural activities. Persaud said a $24 million maintenance programme is scheduled to start soon in the region in order to mitigate further damage caused by the mudslide at Blueberry Hill. Additionally, farmers affected by the overtopping of creeks will receive assistance.
Also, to bring immediate relief to Kara Kara residents, the ministry and region are sourcing dredges and excavators to clear the mouth of the creek which is silted, and blocked drains.
