Govt to address farmers’ concerns in Canal No 2

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkissoon, has committed to working closely with farmers in Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara, to address drainage and flooding challenges affecting agricultural production in the area due to intense rainfall over the past few weeks.

During a meeting with farmers in the community on Wednesday, Minister Ramkissoon said teams from his ministry will assess damaged farms to determine the extent of losses and identify measures to assist affected farmers.

Representatives from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will begin the inspection soon.

He noted that approximately five farmers will work closely alongside NAREI and ministry officials to examine the situation and develop solutions to address the issues raised during Wednesday's meeting.

The minister acknowledged that Canal Number Two remains highly vulnerable to flooding and said the government has already undertaken several interventions to improve drainage in the area.

Addressing the farmers, NDIA Chairman Lionel Wordsworth highlighted the addition of pumps at Canal Number One and ongoing upgrades to the area's main drainage infrastructure. He also pointed to works being carried out on the B-Line channel, which is being upgraded into a high-level drainage channel to improve water discharge during periods of heavy rainfall.

The NDIA chairman added that the Lands and Surveys Commission has already surveyed the required footprint for the project, which will require a width of approximately 290 feet. He assured residents that consultations will continue with affected landowners to ensure they are comfortable with the process.

"We will reach out to you and work with you to ensure you are satisfied and comfortable with it," he said.

Among the resolutions for issues raised were that surveyors are expected in the area on Wednesday to identify reserve lands and address concerns regarding the channel alignment.