President Bharrat Jagdeo has approved a relief package totalling $47 million for hinterland communities being affected by drought-like conditions as a result of the El Niño weather phenomenon.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release government Jagdeo made this announcement during a meeting with residents and toshaos from the Rupununi at the Benab in St Ignatius on Monday.

Government has already established a special inter-agency committee to monitor and make recommendations about the situation.

At his post-Cabinet press briefing on September 10, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon had said assistance provided to hinterland communities would focus on irrigation.

He said digging deeper wells and providing water to areas that lack water will be of utmost importance. Luncheon also said the prolonged dry season has dire consequences on sowing for the next season’s crops.