The Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) says all systems are in place to avert or minimize flooding in the Region 5 area as the current La Nina weather conditions persist.
As regards the coastal and residential areas in Region 5(Mahaica/Berbice), MMA/ADA Chairman Rudolph Gajraj stated in a release that operations have been upgraded for any eventuality and the situation is being dealt with in an affective manner without any cause for concern at the moment.
He stated, however, that flooding in the backlands of the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary Rivers is the only eventuality which may pose a challenge. He stated that many vulnerable riverain areas have been empoldered and emergency empoldering is on-going in some areas, particularly those in the vicinity of the left bank of the Mahaicony River. He said that the aim is to reduce flooding in the riverain area than in previous seasons, with protection of farmers’ crops and animals being considered.
Gajraj outlined several measures which are being undertaken to protect the farmlands and residential areas in Region 5 from flooding, the release noted.
As regards the threat of flooding to Coastal areas in the region, he stated that staff at sluices has been doubled to ensure that the doors are closed and opened at the required time and this is done in order to maximize their efficiency. He stated that additional teams have been assisting the sluice operators who have been given additional resources to ensure that they function effectively during daylight and night time. He said a major concern is a breach on the sea dam at Brahn, which he noted is being attended to be the Works Ministry. The breach has been overloading the drainage system significantly, apart from the intrusion of salt water into the farmlands, the release stated.
Gajraj disclosed that the Community Drainage and Infrastructure (CDI) workers who fall under the CDI enhancement project being piloted by the MMA/ADA in Region 5 are making important inputs as they were deployed to prevent flooding in residential areas.
The workers include 248 men and women who are being managed by the body, and this move took effect from August 16 last. It was noted that the workers deployment and work have impacted favourably on the efficiency of the tertiary drainage systems in the residential areas.
As regards the riverain areas, the release stated that the MMA/ADA has constructed outfall channels, extended drainage canals, and polders in several areas along the river banks have been constructed with the aim of having effective flood control and drainage of the areas.
A major empoldering assignment by the body in the Baibu/Grasshook area is nearing completion and it was noted that the MMA/ADA has recently completed construction of a major channel from Hyde Park to retrieve as an extension of the Mahaicony Façade which drains into the lower end of the Mahaicony River. This channel leads to the new three door sluice at Retrieve and would be operational shortly.
Gajraj reiterated that the body is on top of the situation in the region and that the MMA/ADA is on high alert to ensure that any situation in the backlands of the Mahaicony, Mahaica and Abary Rivers can be addressed.
He also stated that the body will take action against persons who damage drainage and irrigation infrastructure and those who are inconsiderate of other residents /farmers.
