Farmers and residents of Region Five are now better equipped to manage flooding and improve irrigation, thanks to a major investment in drainage infrastructure. With all 10 Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in the region now having access to their own mini excavators, communities are set to benefit from enhanced flood control and water management capabilities.

This latest development took shape on Saturday when Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha formally handed over four new excavators to Blairmont/Gilderland, Rosignol/Zeelust, Union/Narstight, and Bath/Woodley Park. Each excavator, valued at approximately $14 million, is expected to play a critical role in maintaining and expanding drainage networks, particularly in agricultural areas that are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

Minister Mustapha underscored the significance of this initiative, noting that it is part of the government’s broader strategy to create a modern, efficient national irrigation system that benefits both farmers and residents. Addressing community leaders and residents at the event, he emphasized that drainage and irrigation infrastructure must be strengthened to ensure resilience against flooding, a long-standing issue that affects both urban and rural areas across the country.

The minister also spoke about ongoing agricultural projects in the region, encouraging young people to get involved in the sector. He highlighted a hydroponics farm at Fort Wellington, where a newly completed structure is being prepared for 100,000 plantlets. Young residents of Region Five will have the opportunity to work on the farm, providing them with a sustainable livelihood in agriculture.

With these excavators now in operation and additional infrastructure projects on the horizon, the Ministry of Agriculture is making tangible progress in fortifying the country’s ability to withstand climate-related challenges. Mustapha emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s wider mission to modernize the nation’s drainage and irrigation systems, making them more adaptable to unpredictable weather patterns and the growing demands of the agricultural sector.

He further explained that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), in collaboration with the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary (MMA) scheme, is committed to maintaining water supply during dry spells and ensuring effective drainage during heavy rains. By developing a more comprehensive drainage system, authorities aim to provide long-term solutions for flood-prone areas, securing the livelihoods of farmers and strengthening the agricultural industry as a whole.

Mustapha concluded by reaffirming that Guyana’s expanding agricultural sector presents valuable opportunities for its citizens, particularly the younger generation. By investing in critical infrastructure and modernizing irrigation practices, the government hopes to support sustainable agricultural growth while building resilience against the challenges of climate change.