Renis Morian, Regional Chairman of Region 10, has expressed concerns over the presence of a mining `dragga’ in the Demerara River, and has issued a call for its removal, threatening that the council will join residents in action if nothing is done by tomorrow.
A release from the region relating the events of this month’s statutory council meeting, noted that the Chairman deems the machine, which is used in the mining industry, a threat to the region’s agriculture, as many residents depend on the river to access water for their farms. Additionally, with the region recently pushing to increase its agricultural output, Morian is of the belief that the placement of the `dragga’ at this time is suspicious and politically motivated, and expressed disappointment at those responsible.
“This comes at a time when we are pushing agriculture. What worries me though is why at this time and looking at the climate [with elections nearing]…why at this time a `dragga’ turn up at Region Ten, I am very suspicious,” he told councillors. He stated that while perpetrators may be seeking to use the dragga as bait, the council will not fall prey, but warned that he is prepared to join with residents to defend their water and land at all costs if the authorities are unable to.
“We will not fall bait to that kind of provocation but I know that I will be writing everybody and when I write plenty letters at one time so that they can see what is happening here in Region Ten by those with ulterior motives. However, I am going to say just as the people say if they not moving it, if the powers that be wouldn’t move it then the people will take their own action,” Morian asserted.
He said that he was hoping to have the issue resolved by tomorrow, adding that if it was not, he would proceed to the area to take action, in the company of police.
