Dear Editor,
With regard to recent news reports on flooding on the Corentyne causing huge losses to farmers, I cannot understand the logic of waiting for floods before local government commences operations to clear thick vegetation hindering the flow of water.
In Black Bush Polder, farmers complained to me that the dams and canals are not maintained and that every year they suffered losses from their hard labour. They complained that there is corruption in infrastructural work done or work assigned to contractors. I had no way of assessing their complaints. But when the complaints are repeated in several parts of Black Bush and in several other villages on the Corentyne, one cannot dismiss these complaints as sour grapes.
Certainly the authorities need to examine complaints of farmers. Officials are in government to serve the people and should ensure that government contracts are handed out to individuals and companies who can do the necessary work properly.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
