The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has deployed its pontoons with excavators to the Windsor Forest sluice to undertake dredging of the outfall channel to maximize its drainage capacity, in light of the build-up of water in the backlands and residential area in Windsor Forest.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, the reason for the build-up of the water is because of the heavy siltation of the Windsor Forest outfall channel and the non-operation of the pump because of mechanical failures.
The pump was later repaired and brought relief to the residents and farmers as part of the NDIA’s ongoing maintenance programme, the ministry added. The release noted that the pump has the capacity to drain 5,000 acres of residential and farmlands from Best Village to La Jalousie, and also that no damage to property and crops was reported as a result.
The ministry added that it will continue to support its farmers countrywide and it urged all local government bodies, including the regional and neighbourhood democratic organs, to report any drainage related issues to NDIA and that they be vigilant in the rainy season and provide the necessary feedback.
