Georgetown, GINA, January 4, 2004

Several villages throughout the country are experiencing flooding due to heavy rainfall over the past week, and Region Four is recorded as being the worst hit.
Earlier today, President Bharrat Jagdeo visited Enmore and Montrose on the East Coast of Demerara to take a first hand look at the situation.
The pumps in the area are in operation around the clock, removing much of the water in both areas.
Residents expressed satisfaction with the pace at which the water is receiving saying the process was is usually slower.
President Jagdeo noted that the has improved significantly since a lot of the water has subsided. He said the problem is aggravated by the Coastal Belt being below sea level. Residents stated that in the past they would have to wait for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) to drain its own lands before it could offer assistance to the villages but now the village has a pump station, which is functioning.
Chief Executive officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Board Ravi Narine said they are ensuring that the pump stations work around the clock to alleviate the situation. He noted that the pump at Enmore has the capacity to remove 60 cubic feet of water per second.
At Montrose, the President inspected the pump station, which is presently.
At a recent media conference Ravi Narine had stated that rainfall exceeding one inch per day will cause flooding in the Region Four area.
Sluices and pump stations at Cane Grove, Strathavon, Hope Estate, Victoria, Golden Grove, Enmore, and Triumph/Beterverwagting are working on a 24-hour basis.
Guysuco is assisting in ensuring that the sluices and pump stations, at Ogle, Montrose, Good Hope, Hope, Foulis, Strathspey, and Annandale are maintained and functioning properly.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock Satyadeow Sawh visited Enmore earlier when he met residents and inspected the area.
Accompanying the President today were Minister Sawh, and other Regional Officials.
Earlier toady, the President visited Parika where he inspected construction works on the new market. He later held a party for children of the Tiger Bay area.
The President is expected to depart later this evening for India.