The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) recently deployed a team of engineers to flood affected communities in Region 6 to assist residents who have suffered from severe flooding. After through assessments of the area, it was revealed that the flooding was a result of overtopping of the Canjie Creek due to excessive rainfall. This has resulted in flooding in the Coockrit and New Sukhram Cattle Pastures which are located between the Black Bush Polder rice cultivation area and the Canjie Creek neighboring rivers and water ways.
The group which visited the area conducted an extensive evaluation and made several recommendations that are expected to be carried out over the next few days. It was also advised that farmers transfer their cattle to higher ground to avoid additional loss of their herd.
CEO, NDIA, Mr. Fredrick Flatts
Chief Executive Officer of NDIA, Mr. Fredrick Flatts said that the engineers are working around the clock to ensure all the drainage structures are operable to ensure flooding does not persist.
“Even though the flood waters are so high rice fields in Black Bush Polder and the 52/74 areas are not threatened at this time. However, cattle in the area are severely affected with some reports of mortality. We are working to ensure all sluices and drainage structures are operable. The flooded area is designed to drain through the Canjie Creek, however this is not possible at the time since the water level in the creek is so high. Controlled water is currently being released through the Torani Canal. This system will see water being redirected from the Canjie Creek to the Berbice River.” Mr. Flatts said.
Some cattle seen on an area of dry land.
In an effort to prevent further flooding, NDIA will be installing a 120 cusec pump at Adventure and two pumps (one 80 cusec and one 120 cusec) at the Number 52 sluice. The authority is currently mobilizing a Short Boom and Two Long Boom Excavators to clear and dig the Fouler Channel that is expected to installed within 24 hours. This channel runs from the Number 52 Main Drainage Channel and drains in the Number 66 Creek.
The team which consists of six engineers who are presently assigned to the flooded areas, are also tasked with ensuring all structures are operable and functioning at maximum capacity which includes head and tail regulators to open to release water in addition to 24 hours monitoring within the affected area. Additionally, the authority is making an assessment to release additional volumes of water through the Number 46 and Number 49 drainage channels.
