In an effort to maximise its performance, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) yesterday commissioned seven excavators.
A release from the Ministry of Agriculture said that the excavators which were procured by Farm Supplies Limited at a total cost of $125,300,000 will add to the NDIA’s current fleet currently spread out across the country.
“Today, 95% of the drainage responsibility in the country rests on the shoulders of the NDIA and the Ministry of Agriculture. These pieces of machinery will add to the fleet that we already have, complementing NDIA’s efforts to boost the country’s drainage and irrigation system. We recently witnessed, and in some areas, we are still witnessing unprecedented levels of rainfall. During this time, our capabilities were put to the test. I can safely say, given the amount of rainfall that fell over the last two months, the NDIA should be complemented for executing its duties around the country,” Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said.
The excavators will be used to desilt primary channels and to clean secondary drains within residential areas.
Mustapha also highlighted the role of the Hope Canal in mitigating severe flooding in Region Four and some parts of Region Five.
“I also want to highlight the importance of the Hope Canal. I can remember vividly when that canal was built there were many naysayers who openly condemned and criticized the project, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money. Well, today we’ve lived to see the importance of the Hope Canal. The PPP/C Government has always been a government with a vision, making preparations for the future by learning from the past. With that being said, our technical officers are going to be conducting studies to determine vulnerable areas across the country that need those types of investment and we will make those investments so that we can mitigate flooding in our country,” Mustapha said. Chairman of the Region Four Council, Daniel Seeram said the NDIA should be complimented for its works in Region Four as that region was the least affected during the recent flooding. He added that stakeholders should be consulted to ensure informed decisions are made moving forward.
“I know at this point in time we had a wake-up call at the level of the Board from the Minister in terms of what transpired across the Regions. I am thankful that the Demerara-Mahaica Region was one of the least affected regions. However, many of the farming areas in the backlands were under water. The drainage and irrigation industry requires constant monitoring. All stakeholders must be consulted in order for policymakers to make informed decisions and plan for the way forward. The acquisition of these pieces of machinery is timely and I look forward to them being equitably distributed across the country,” Seeram said, according to the press release.
