In the first half of the year, the government spent $14.8 billion on crucial interventions aimed at reducing flooding and ensuring sufficient drainage and irrigation (D&I) for farmers.
As part of this initiative, eight of the planned 15 new D&I structures were completed in key areas, including Coffee Grove and Walton Hall in Region 2; Greenwich Park and Sarah, Wakenaam in Region 3; Bellamy in Region 5; and Adventure and Yakusari, Black Bush Polder in Region 6. Additionally, 56 out of the 108 targeted D&I structures underwent necessary maintenance.
Furthermore, the first half of the year saw the completion of planned rehabilitation of canals and the heightening of embankments at Big Baiboo, Coverden, and New Providence. Ongoing works continue at locations such as East Bank Berbice, Mahaicony Creek, Onverwagt, Perth, Wash Clothes, and West Watooka. The second half of 2024 will witness the commencement of additional projects at Brickery, East Bank Demerara; Bushy Park, Mahaicony; and Plaisance, East Coast Demerara.
The review period also marked the beginning of pump station rehabilitations at Belle Vue, Canal No. 1, Charity, Cottage, Cozier, Jimbo Grove, Letter Kenny, and Meten-Meer-Zorg.
Meanwhile, the design phase for constructing Hope-like structures in Region 5 advanced, with work already started on structures in Region 6. The procurement process for acquiring 40 mobile pumps is also underway.
