Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud presented a number of tools to South Sophia residents to encourage them to pursue farming, when he met with them on Wednesday to discuss issues affecting them.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the donation of cutlasses, files and shovels was made through the Grow More campaign and is aimed at promoting agricultural activities in the area. Residents also told the minister they were hampered by the lack of proper drainage and irrigation systems which leads to flooding, roaming animals and electricity theft. They also complained that some residents dump refuse into the waterways which clogs them.
In response, Persaud assured them that the ministry will do its best to acquire the resources needed to assist them and an excavator will be deployed to clear the drains. An engineer will also be sent to the community to identify drainage and irrigation issues and find solutions. Also, officials from the Guyana Power and Light Inc and the Guyana Police Force will be surveying the area to investigate electricity theft.
Persaud said too the Ministry of Housing and Water has invested over $220M to improve the Sophia community and government is encouraged to see the houses being built in the area. In addition, roads are being constructed and rehabilitation services are being offered in the community.
Additionally, over $120M was invested in two new pumps at Liliendaal which support the Sophia Drainage and Irrigation system, Persaud said. He therefore urged residents to practice farming to become self-sufficient; reminding them that initially Sophia was a farming area.
The minister also told the meeting that single parents can now access credit through the Women of Worth programme, which they can use to get involved in agricultural activities.
GINA said Deputy Mayor Robert Williams and Chairperson of the National Coordinator of Community Development Councils Philomena Sahoye-Shury also attended the meeting which was held at the Pattensen Multipurpose Community Centre.
