Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:36 AM
Jan 12, 2011 Letters
Dear Editor,
I have noticed a number of articles in the daily newspaper regarding the construction of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) northern relief channel at Hope/Dochfour and wish to make some brief comments.
Let me first begin by commending the Minister of Agriculture for bringing some clarity to this matter. I am specifically referring to his recent comments where he clarified the fact that there is transparency and accountability with regard to the project since many critics were of the view that this was not the case.
He was also able to outline the fact that the project design was presented via a website for public viewing and commentary.
I have also learnt that subsequently, an advertisement was placed in the newspapers for consultancy services for the construction of the relief channel and thereafter a contract was awarded.
According to information, in December, a draft design report was presented by the consultancy firm and then placed on the internet for public commentary. A copy of the design report was also sent to the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) for comments and a presentation was done. I find the recent comments by the Kaieteur News mischievous since all the procedures outlined fulfilled the requirements for public tendering of works under the Procurement Act to ensure transparency and accountability.
I wish to remind critics of this key project that the need for the additional outlet at Hope/Dochfour had arisen because of increased rainfall as a result of changing climatic conditions thereby creating the need to increase the East Demerara Water Conservancy’s drainage capacity, the reduction in the flow capacity on the southern side of the conservancy into the Demerara River, the need for increased storage in the conservancy to meet the demands of the additional lands under cultivation and the expanded areas under cultivation.
The outlet also has the potential of supporting areas in Mahaica and Mahaicony during prolonged periods of excessive rainfall since the Lama sluices often have to be opened during these periods to discharge water often resulting in flooding and losses.
Both local and international experts have all agreed that such an outlet is necessary to alleviate these adverse effects.
What is also commendable of the Minister
presented relevant documentation with regard to the project to the National Assembly at which the very newspaper and other sections of the media were present. In light of the recent statements, I would urge the Kaieteur News to stop peddling untruths as the public needs to know the truth.
It is commendable that work on this canal has commenced and I join with thousands of civil minded Guyanese to support this project because I live on the East Coast of Demerara and am often affected by high water levels during rainy periods.
Projects of this nature are also welcome in light of the climatic conditions affecting countries of the world. With this project, development on the coastline is even more imminent.
Samuel Singh
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