Georgetown, GINA, January 10, 2004

Government is moving to strengthen the human resources of relevant Government departments, agencies and Ministries to deal with flooding.
This announcement was made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday at a media briefing.
Many areas, especially those along the Coast, were affected by heavy rainfall during the past two weeks.
In response, Government instituted several emergency measures that brought significant relief to residents.
The Ministry of Agriculture also established two committees to address the situation.
In addition to emergency works, the Ministry, in its 2004 budget, will be expending significantly on drainage and irrigation works, Dr. Luncheon said. He also noted that many resources will be poured into maintaining proper sea defences.
Measures will also be taken to avoid health hazards, including water borne diseases, caused by the stagnant floodwaters.
According to the HPS, a review of existing human resource capability would be done and the necessary measures instituted.