Over the next five years, government will execute major infrastructural works throughout the country with a view to stabilising and strengthening Guyana’s extensive sea and river defence network.
This announcement was made yesterday by Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh during his 2007 budget speech. “Madam Speaker, the extensive flooding in 2005 and 2006 and the loss of life and economic capacity underscore the continued importance of sea and river defence to sustainable development in Guyana,” he said.
According to the minister, these works will include strengthening the East Demerara Water Conservancy; dredging the Pomeroon, Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary rivers; and dredging outlets to the Demerara River.
“In 2007, the government has allocated in excess of $2.3 billion to strengthen vulnerable sea and river defence in areas such as Profit/Foulis, Belladrum, Capoey/Columbia, Tuschen, Meten-Meer-Zorg/De Kindren and Hague. Provision has also been made to continue the Emergency Works Programme as well as shore zone management, quality control monitoring and socio-economic studies,” Singh said.
He said the bulk of the $4.8 billion, which has been budgeted for the agriculture sector in 2007, has been earmarked for rehabilitating the drainage and irrigation system; continuing the development of the water user associations to operate and maintain D&I systems; and supporting research in rice and agriculture diversification.
“To increase efficiency and sustainability in the rice industry, the government will spend $800 million on the rehabilitation of the Dawa Pump and the construction of two sluices at Golden Fleece and Westbury,” the minister said.
He said training in post-harvest management, quality control, financial management and seed technology would continue for farmers, millers and exporters to make the local the rice industry more competitive.
“A credit facility worth $1.5 billion will come on stream in 2007. We have also budgeted $550 million for the construction of towers and installation of the Doppler radar, which will enhance our weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities.”
