As the Ministry of Agriculture aggressively continues along its developmental path, thousands of persons and farmers stand to benefit from its interventions and developmental plans. Over the past few months, the National Drainage & Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has been working around the clock to implement several projects throughout Region Six that have benefitted residents tremendously.
Several machines have been deployed across the region to assist in the cleaning and desilting of canals, clearing of the drainage systems, fixing of dams for farmers and the effective operations of pumps, all in preparation for the impending monsoon. Visiting communities and considering the concerns raised is testimony to the commitment to Berbicians and Guyanese in general.
Against this backdrop, the people of Speculation, New Forest, West Canje Berbice have praised the works executed by NDIA recently. Machines were sent to that location to assist in the clearing and desilting of the main drainage canals, allowing for the free flow of water. Despite the rise in temperatures and extended dry periods, the cleaning of the canals is a proactive step in preparedness for future rainy periods, which residents said was greatly appreciated.
New Forest in West Canje is known for being one of the smallest but significant farming communities and Ministry of the Agriculture through the combined efforts of the Regional Democratic Council in Region Six is looking to service all communities, whether large or small since the contributions of its citizens in agriculture and the country are invaluable.
One farmer, 66 year.old William Fraser, who has been a long-standing resident of the community noted the works executed by NDIA “did a very good job…the machines came in and they work by the road shoulder, we are thankful, leh we na stifle we conscience, this job wa dem man do here now is a very good job…”
Farmer, William Fraser.
Another resident who has been living in the area all his life said it is the first time they have seen such massive works executed and said “I live here 64 years now and this is the best work that the government and the Minister of Agriculture do here…” Lennox Fraser said.
Haywattie Fraser said she is also thankful for the work that was done and noted that in the past they were heavily flooded during the rainy season but with the cleaning of the canals, they are expected to not experience such heavy flooding in the communities and their farmlands.
Works commenced over a month ago in the areas of Cumberland, Adelphi, Reliance Settlement, Reliance Abandon, Canefield, Betsy Ground, Gangaram, and New Forest where persons living within those communities have expressed their gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, President Irfaan Ali, the Regional Administration, and NDIA for the work they have been doing.
