Pomeroon farmers reaping benefit of D&I investments

Hundreds of farmers from the Pomeroon River on the Essequibo Coast are benefiting from improved drainage and irrigation through the excavation of drainage canals, the construction of kokers, and the empolderment of farmlands.

Region Two Chairman Ali Baksh told Guyana Times International in a recent interview that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), in collaboration with the Region Two administration, is currently spending close to Gy$67M to improve D& I in farming communities in Pomeroon. He said that, already,Gy$8 million has been spent on excavating drainage canals, raising the embankment, and constructing drainage structures at Grant Kitty, Grant Victoria, and Akawini, in the Lower Pomeroon. Baksh also said that dams were built at the sides and backs of these farmlands to form a polder.

He said additional works carried out on the left bank of the Akawini Creek and Adel’s Resort have benefited farmers significantly.

Work to the tune of Gy$4.5 million was also done in the Akawini area. Speaking on ongoing works in the river, Baksh said Gy$20 million is presently being spent on the Aberdeen Canal to boost the D&I network. He said that, as part of the project, dams will be empoldered to aid farmers in the transportation of their produce to the market. Another Gy$13.5 million, the chairman said, is allocated for excavating drainage canals and building dams at St John, Lower Pomeroon. Baksh noted that the multi-million-dollar projects will improve drainage and avoid overtopping from the river defence.

Five million dollars has also been allocated for constructing a koker with revetment at Grant Kitty, Lower Pomeroon. This project is expected to commence shortly. There is a major breach at Ammond which is affecting some 25 farmers, but the NDIA, in partnership with the Region Two administration, is working to fix the problem.

Some Gy$9.5 million has been earmarked to enhance drainage and irrigation in farming communities in the Upper Pomeroon, and open up new areas for cultivation.

Baksh said that the government of Guyana, under the NDIA, will continue to execute projects to improve the livelihoods of farmers.

He said, too, that more agricultural produce is being exported from the region.

“Pomeroon is known for its citrus along with fresh fruits and vegetables; and we will do everything to help farmers, so that they can continue to make Guyana the break basket of the Caribbean.”