A $10.5M contract was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Pioneer Construction Services on Sunday for the construction of eight culverts in Blueberry Hill, Region Ten, to bring relief to residents who are affected by flood during the rainy period, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported on Monday.
The signing of the drainage and irrigation contract was witnessed by Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud and Chief Executive Officer (ag) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth.
The minister and his team of engineers were at the time visiting the area to listen to the concerns of residents and to determine possible solutions.
According to GINA, Persaud told them that Region 10 has been the only non-coastal area to receive extended services, notwithstanding the fact that the area is controlled by the main opposition party.
An excavator has also been provided for the region in light of complaints of clogged drains, erosion and flooding due to rainfall.
And to ensure that works are carried out in an efficient and timely manner and on a regular basis, an engineer has been assigned to the region.
The young engineer, a resident of Linden, recently returned after completing his studies in Cuba.
Moreover, Community Development Councils (CDCs) were asked to ensure that maintenance works are also done since many were concerned with the quality and work being left unfinished.
Meanwhile, Persaud informed the residents that government had spent close to $35M to provide contracts to CDCs for drainage works and they should be done properly.
This year government will be spending about $5M to tackle problems in the region which includes West Watooka. Two veterinarians have also been assigned to the region, GINA added.
