- Gov’t Ministers conduct walk-through of Cane Grove
Agriculture Minister Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha on Friday afternoon visited Cane Grove to meet with residents and farmers and assess concerns affecting the community, particularly drainage, agricultural access and the use of public reserves.
During a walk-through of the area, Minister Mustapha observed that the reserves where an interlocking drainage system previously existed have largely been occupied by residents, leaving the area without an effective drainage network. He said this has contributed to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
“The main issue is residential drainage. We did a walk-through of the area. We noticed that all the reserves where the interlocking drainage system existed have been taken up by residents. There is no drainage system in the area, so when there is heavy rainfall, flooding occurs. We will have to resurvey the area to see how drainage channels can be established. Until that is done, this area cannot have effective drainage,” the Minister said.
He said a detailed assessment will be conducted and a report prepared for submission to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, outlining the situation and possible interventions. Minister Mustapha said the Ministry will continue working with residents as the necessary steps are taken to address the drainage challenges.
During the engagement, cattle farmers also raised concerns about the need to improve drainage in their pastures, while residents called for the clearing of dams that have been occupied for cultivation.
Minister Mustapha said the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) has been asked to issue notices to persons cultivating on the dams. Those persons will be allowed to harvest their existing crops but will be required not to replant once the current crops are harvested.
The Minister said Government will work with the affected farmers to identify suitable plots of land where they can continue their agricultural activities, while ensuring that the dams and other public spaces are restored for their intended purposes.
“We do not want their livelihoods to be affected, but at the same time, we have to consider the wellbeing of all the residents here,” Minister Mustapha said.
Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Madanlall Ramraj, and Member of Parliament, Hon. Suresh Singh, as well as other Ministry and Regional Representatives were also present.
