-will benefit farmers, NDIA head says
A resident of Leguan, Essequibo Coast has voiced concern about government’s decision to replace a koker with a sluice at Waterloo Leguan, which he warns could cause massive land erosion.
Dhanraj Cheddie, a farmer, told Stabroek News yesterday that the koker which is situated at Waterloo is in perfect working condition and does a “great job” at serving the area which is known for its rice cultivation.
Contacted, Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority Lionel Wordsworth, told this newspaper in a telephone interview, that the sluice will only serve to benefit the farmers and residents at large, emphasising that the request for the sluice was made by farmers.
However, Cheddie said that he and other residents are of the view that the replacement of the koker with a sluice will serve only to damage more than four miles of sea defence through erosion of dams.
According to the Plot X Enterprise Leguan farmer, the sluice will cause the water to enter and leave the land with a force 25 times greater than the koker which as he explained, “will cause erosion.” He added that kokers allow for the drainage and irrigation to be executed in a more controlled manner as opposed to sluices.
Cheddie said also that there is the present issue of overtopping in the area, which will only be compounded by the construction of a sluice.
But according to Wordsworth, the Waterloo area becomes severely affected by flooding during the rainy season; a problem that can be corrected with the construction of a sluice since it will allow for an enhanced and improved drainage capacity with its larger doors. He said that he does not foresee a problem of erosion arising if the koker is replaced with a sluice.
Further, Wordsworth added that the sluice would better cater for the proper drainage and irrigation of the more than 2,500 acres of land. He concluded by saying that site works have begun and that the project is expected to be completed in another six months.
