Georgetown, GINA, January 8, 2004

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock Mr. Satyadeow Sawh announced that the Ministry of Finance is favourably considering a request made for funding for emergency works in flood affected areas.
Regions were called on, at a meeting yesterday, to submit requests for funding. To date Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Four (Demerara/Mahaica) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) have submitted their requests. The Ministry is awaiting requests from Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Dindiyal Permaul stated that the application was made to the Ministry of Finance and certain tender board procedures will be waived to award the contracts speedily.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Board (ND&IB) Mr. Ravi Narine provided an update on the situation. At Clonbrook, engineers inspected the sluice gate that is out of order and some excavation work needs to be done.
He said engineers are in the process of providing an estimate and the contract would be awarded when approved. At Cane Grove, the second pump that is out of order will be operational by tomorrow afternoon.
Mr. Narine stated that the water has receded in these areas, since the Guyana Sugar Corporation has pumps working around the clock.
Parts are being acquired for the pump at Buxton. This will be operational by next Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Regional Chairman of Region Four Alan Munroe has rented a pump.
Additionally, the Ministry will establish two committees to monitor health problems and loss of livestock and produce.
The committee to assess the situation in regard to health and will comprise the Regional Chairman of the particular Region or a representative, one representative from the Ministry of Health and another from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
The other Committee to assess crop and livestock losses in each Region will comprise the Regional Chairman or a representative, one representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and another from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.