Bush Lot farmers need unmetered water for agriculture

Dear Editor,

I want to raise my concern as a poor farmer residing in the community of Bush Lot on the Corentyne Coast.

The majority of the people in Bush Lot are farmers who depend on farming for their livelihoods. Recently water meters were installed in our area.

Does the government take into consideration the effect this will have on the lives of farmers who till the soil to make a living? The meter is a good idea for conserving water, but I think the government should provide ways of supplying water to grow our crops so that we can continue living. We don’t need potable water for that because every drop of it must be paid for.
The Minister of Agriculture proudly holds meetings and boasts about development during the years. He did this and he did it very well. However, I am appealing to him to do things logically.

For the past twenty years I have been growing crops to keep the family going. Mr Robert Persaud provides seedlings, fertilizers, drugs and tools to boost agriculture. Signs are put up to persuade citizens, eg, ‘Grow more food.’  I think water should be given instead of fertilizers, etc.

I am appealing to the Minister to please have a little more compassion for poor people like myself who depend on agriculture.

Yours faithfully,
Indar Boodhoo