President seeks Islamic Bank assistance with flooding

Dr Bandar Hajjar
Dr Bandar Hajjar

President Irfaan Ali has held discussions with the President of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr Bandar Hajjar and his team concerning the Bank’s support and assistance in the wake of the recent floods across Guyana.

This development was announced by an Office of the President release yesterday.

At the meeting which was held virtually, Ali raised the need for aid to farmers to restore their productive capacity, as well as support for drainage and irrigation initiatives, and further strengthening of the national drainage system. Discussions also centred on assistance for the affected hinterland and riverine communities which depend predominantly on the mining and forestry sectors.

 According to the release, other critical interventions identified were the restoration of river dams, hinterland roads and bridges, many of which were destroyed and remain submerged.

Dr Hajjar in turn assured that no effort would be spared to support Guyana’s rebuilding efforts and enable more resilient infrastructure, the release said. He informed that a technical team will be in contact with Guyanese officials to develop a response mechanism and to mobilise resources needed under these very “urgent circumstances.”

President Ali also made mention of a technical team from Guyana which would mobilise and gather all the necessary information to accelerate the implementation of the interventions raised.

The Head of State also thanked the Islamic Development Bank for its commitment to working with the Government and the people of Guyana and for its overall support, the release added.