The Government of Guyana’s recent delivery of 500,000 lbs of cassava to the Deep South Rupununi was in an effort to combat food shortages caused by the prolonged El Niño and wildfires. The initiative, led by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo through the Civil Defence Commission, aims to address the loss experienced by residents in the region.
On Wednesday, Stabroek News reached out to Vice Chairman of the South Central People’s Development Association within the South Rupununi District Council Berlinda Alfred for further information on the cassava distribution. Alfred confirmed that the shortage primarily affected cassava and that the supply arrived from Parika to her village (Awarewanau) on March 24. Though details on the suppliers and the exact date that the transport took place were unclear, this newspaper understands that while there was a little spoilage during transportation, the majority of the cassava arrived in good condition.
Residents in the region rely heavily on cassava as a staple food. With many villages facing drought conditions, the young cassava plants wilted. While on a visit to Nappi last week, the government announced that a cassava mill (at a cost of $20 million) will be installed there and other initiatives are being implemented to address food security and create employment opportunities in the region.
Alfred told this newspaper that apart from cassava, the Regional Executive Officer and team from her village provided one small bag of rice, four packs of farine from Brazil, salt, oil and milk to some households in an effort to combat the food shortage. However, she revealed that the farine’s expiration date had passed since last year.
Last week, President Irfaan Ali also announced a plan to invest over $1 billion in the Rupununi region, exceeding the budget allocation. Along with what was mentioned above, the investment would see the provision of solar household systems. Another 500,000 lbs of cassava, valued at $20 million, are set to be delivered to the village of Nappi in the near future.
Residents in the region have welcomed the government’s efforts and expressed gratitude for the support during these challenging times.
