Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jul 07, 2017 News
As Black Bush farmers continue to grapple with heavy flooding in the backland area, home to thousands of head of cattle and other livestock, government says it is rushing down pumps and other equipment to bring relief. However,
the situation remains serious, with some farmers from Yakusari, disclosing that they are unable to brave flood waters in the savannah area to save their cattle.
In some places, the water is more than five feet high with overhead shots in some areas yesterday in the Kokerite area, showing cattle stranded.
With the Canje Creek heavily overtopping, releasing waters is a major issue that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is grappling with. There are few options for bringing the water levels down in the Canje Creek which runs aback of Black Bush Polder, Corentyne.
Drainage officials either have to wait it out and hope the water goes down fast or the waters are released into the Black Bush Polder drainage system where thousands of acres and homesteads stand to suffer.
Yesterday, one Yakusari farmer, who has around 300 head of cattle said he was forced to turn back from proceeding to the savannah area because of the difficult circumstances.
Berbice authorities are blaming many of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils for the flood situation in some of the Corentyne villages.
Over 1,000 head of cattle reportedly died along with 20 horses, it was reported.
Black Bush is a farming community about seven miles in from the Corentyne public road, with rice, cash crops and cattle being the main economic activities.
According to NDIA yesterday, it has deployed a team of engineers to flood-affected communities in Region 6 to assist residents who have suffered from severe flooding.
“After thorough assessments of the area, it was revealed that the flooding was a result of overtopping of the Canje Creek due to excessive rainfall. This has resulted in flooding in the Kokerite and New Sukhram Cattle Pastures which are located between the Black Bush Polder rice cultivation area and the Canje Creek neighbouring rivers and waterways.”
According to NDIA, which manages the drainage and irrigation system for the country, the group which visited the area conducted an extensive evaluation and made several recommendations that are expected to be carried out over the next few days.
“It was also advised that farmers transfer their cattle to higher ground to avoid additional loss of their herd.”
Chief Executive Officer of NDIA, Frederick Flatts said that the engineers are working around the clock to ensure all the drainage structures are operable to ensure flooding does not persist.
“Even though the flood waters are so high, rice fields in Black Bush Polder and the 52/74 areas are not threatened at this time. However, cattle in the area are severely affected, with some reports of mortality. We are working to ensure all sluices and drainage structures are operable.” The flooded area is designed to drain through the Canje Creek.
However, according to NDIA, this is not possible at the time since the water level in the creek is so high. Rather, waters are being released in a controlled manner through the Torani Canal.
“This system will see water being re-directed from the Canje Creek to the Berbice River,” Flatts said.
In an effort to prevent further flooding, NDIA will be installing a120 cubic meters per second pump at Adventure and two others at the Number 52 sluice.
“The authority is currently mobilizing a Short Boom and Two Long Boom Excavators to clear and dig the Fouler Channel… that is expected to installed within 24 hours. This channel runs from the Number 52 Main Drainage Channel and drains in the Number 66 Creek.”
According to NDIA, the team which consists of six engineers who are presently assigned to the flooded areas, is also tasked with ensuring all structures are operable and functioning at maximum capacity which includes head and tail regulators to open to release water, in addition to 24 hours monitoring within the affected area.
“Additionally, the authority is making an assessment to release additional volumes of water through the Number 46 and Number 49 drainage channels.”
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, were in the Berbice area, speaking to farmers. The Prime Minister recommended that an advisory be sent to the Guyana Police Force for stray animals not to be impounded, and for a long term plan for a secure place to rear cattle on higher ground.
Officials are now tallying the losses of farmers with recommendations for cattle to use feed in the absence of areas to graze.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
Mar 28, 2024
Minister Ramson challenge athletes to better last year’s performance By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – Guyana’s 23-member contingent for the CARIFTA Games in Grenada is set to depart the...B.V. Police Station Kaieteur News – The Beterverwagting Police Station, East Coast Demerara (ECD) will be reconstructed... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – In the face of escalating global environmental challenges, water scarcity and... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]