Farmers of Yakusari, Black Bush Polder burnt tyres on the road today in protest at the stagnant floodwater in their farms which has resulted in losses to their rice, cash crops and livestock.
The protest started around 8:30 am today and residents demanded urgent attention and an end to the “disaster” they were facing. As frustrations escalated they placed tyres across the road and set them alight. A team of police officers subsequently arrived and put the fire out. The cops also managed to control the angry crowd that had started to build up.
When this newspaper arrived the lawmen were still there maintaining the peace. The residents were also airing their concerns to regional vice-chairman, Bhupaul Jhagroo who promised to make representations on their behalf.
Later, Regional Chairman, David Armogan as well as officials from the Drainage & Irrigation Authority visited the area to address the farmers’ plight.
The residents argued that the flooding was due to negligence on the part of the authorities.
Acording to them, the rain alone did not cause the flooding but it was mainly as a result of the blocked outfall channel at No 43 Village that is now being cleaned.
