The government, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), has issued a strong rebuttal against recent assertions made by Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul regarding the progress of pump station construction in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
Mahipaul recently accused the Minister of neglecting multiple pump stations despite promises of their construction. He also questioned the minister’s selective attention to only one station.
Mahipaul cited stalled projects like the A-Line Pump Station and Pouderoyen Pump Station as evidence of Minister Mustapha’s failure to deliver on promises and demanded accountability and real results for the people of Region Three.
The NDIA noted that the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, accompanied by senior NDIA officers, visited the Canal No. 1 pump station after conducting meetings with residents and farmers in the region. Minister Mustapha emphasized the thoroughness of these visits, stating, “When I go to these places, I don’t just run in and run out. I speak with the team there and get as much information based on my observation and the guidance of my senior engineers.” He further dismissed Mahipaul’s claims as “ridiculous” and suggested they were driven by a desire for publicity.
Regarding the progress of other pump stations, Minister Mustapha provided detailed updates, stating, “At Belle Vue, the contractor has mobilized and already installed a coffer dam. The test piles have also been driven and this project is scheduled to be completed by August 4, 2025.” He similarly provided updates for the Meter-Meer-Zorg and Pouderoyen pump stations.
Additionally, Minister Mustapha criticized Mahipaul’s conclusions about the state of projects across the region, calling them “ludicrous.” He urged Mahipaul to address the failures of his political party in executing drainage projects during their tenure, particularly highlighting the procurement of ineffective pumps.
The controversy surrounding the procurement of pumps highlighted ongoing challenges in the maintenance and improvement of drainage infrastructure. Despite setbacks, the current government said it remains committed to addressing these issues and enhancing drainage and irrigation systems nationwide.
