Four drainage and irrigation projects valued $47M are currently being conducted in the Buxton/Friendship area to assist farmers with re-cultivating the land.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) recently pledged to undertake a number of projects to facilitate farming in the said areas. According to a press release the projects include major rehabilitation of all major drainage and irrigation canals, construction of GH revetment within the Buxton pump basin and construction of a timber bridge at Buxton Company across the CNC canal.
The release said the bridge was built after farmers had indicated that it provided access to their farmlands and provided a route for transportation. The release said revetment works in the pump basin have been completed and currently a clearing exercise is being undertaken at the Buxton west sideline which will benefit more than 100 private sugar cane farmers.
The Buxton outfall had also been dredged recently. In addition, a yearly contract has been awarded to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council to pay mobile pump operators and watchmen.
The release said eight other projects have also been completed.
These projects totalling more than $52M are part of the NDIA’s master plan to ensure communities and farmers are protected from the adverse effects of climate change by strengthening the drainage infrastructure.
They include rehabilitation of the Buxton pump basin, the construction of revetment along the Buxton Company canal, excavation works within Buxton and Friendship and the mechanical cleaning of the Buxton Company canal from CNC to Pond Dam Bridge.
The sum also includes the cost of tools and labour for the excavation of the canals, rehabilitation of four hundred rods on crown dam between Strathspey and La Reconnaisance, the rehabilitation of four intake structures on the rehabilitated crown dam from Strathspey to La Reconnaisance and the rehabilitation of the Buxton sluice doors.
The NDIA carried out these priority works to prevent flooding during the rainy season.
The ministry expects that with improved drainage and other support to farmers there will be an increase in the acreages of fruit, vegetables and ground provision.
