Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud yesterday met with a preparatory study mission from the Japanese Government to follow up on support for the critical East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and its associated drainage and irrigation structures.
The Japanese team is headed by Goya Yoshiyuki, the Executive Technical Advisor to the Director General of the Rural Development Department, of JICA which is finalizing the project for implementation. Also joining the Minister at the meeting, which was held in the boardroom of the Agriculture Ministry, was Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth.
This partnership is part of a Joint Declaration on Enhanced Co-operation in Environment and Climate Change Issues between the two countries. The declaration was signed by President Bharrat Jagdeo and then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. The value of the support by the Japanese Government is US$6.7 million.
Minister Persaud yesterday welcomed the team. He noted that the government had taken steps to address the EDWC but indicated that further support was appreciated. He also acknowledged the support of the Japanese in other areas.
He pointed out that some technical experts from Japan are working closely with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority to boost its capacity,
According to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture, upon the conclusion of the team’s two-week visit and final approval of the plan, Guyana stands to benefit from the procurement of equipment, earthen works with the EDWC and rehabilitation of critical drainage structures. This includes possible support for the construction of the Cunha Canal, even as the government proceeds with the northern relief channel at Hope/Dochfour to increase the discharge capacity of the EDWC.
Overtopping of the EDWC following heavy rainfall was seen as the premier reason for the 2005 Great Flood. Since then, forced release of water from the EDWC has flooded the Mahaica area several times.
