As efforts continue to mitigate the effects of climate change on local agricultural sector the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has undertaken the construction of an approximate 12-mile-long all-weather road from the Berbice River to the Ebini Ranch, Region 10, Upper Demerara-Berbice.
NDIA CEO, Mr. Fredrick Flatts
Chief Executive Officer of NDIA, Frederick Flatts, in a recent interview, told the Department of Public Information (DPI), “On the coast, we are constructing several pump stations and we are likely to continue to do so. What is happening is that we are spending more and more funds to have good drainage on the coast. That’s how we are dealing with mitigating the effects of climate change.”
However, Flatts opined that ultimately the Intermediate Savannahs will provide the answer to mitigating the issues of flooding faced by citizens on the coastland. “We have areas in the intermediate savannahs that would not be affected by flooding. So, we have to consider the likelihood of moving to the intermediate savannahs,” he noted.
Further, Flatts added, the road’s construction is in keeping with government’s plans to move agricultural production inland.
“If you speak to farmers about going to the Intermediate Savannahs to plant, they will tell you that there has to be a proper road. Therefore, we are doing exactly that with the hope of attracting farmers, when there is easy access. I believe the future of Guyana’s agriculture will be linked to farming in the Intermediate Savannahs”, Flatts explained.
According to the NDIA CEO, the road is being constructed with materials available in the local district and should be completed in October.
“The road has to be completed by the beginning of October and NDIA is spending over $200Million on its construction. It’s an all-weather road using materials which are available in the area white sand, loam laterite,” Flatts explained.
