Industry/Plaisance NDC Gets New Excavator

February 5 2025 – Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday handed over a brand-new mini excavator to officials of the Industry/Plaisance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to support community drainage and irrigation efforts.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Mustapha said he had recently discussed the matter with President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who advised that an excavator be provided to the community to help maintain its internal drainage and irrigation (D&I) system.

The minister emphasized that the government has been making significant strides in developing a comprehensive drainage system across the country.

“While we are doing large projects and constructing high-level canals and pump stations to enhance drainage capacity, we are also doing work to enhance drainage and irrigation in the communities,” Minister Mustapha stated.

He further explained the government’s strategy to involve NDCs in maintaining local drainage systems while ensuring they have the necessary resources.

“So, while we have NDIA doing work to clear and maintain the primary channels, we want to get the NDCs involved but they may not have the equipment to execute these works. Over the years, we’ve been collaborating with various NDCs and municipalities. So far, we’ve handed over approximately 35 mini excavators to various bodies to carry out community enhancements. In the coming weeks, we’ll be handing over additional machines to NDCs on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, Region Five and Six. We’ve already given machines to a number of NDCs in regions three and two,” he explained.

The handover is part of the government’s broader initiative to strengthen drainage infrastructure, mitigate flooding, and improve agricultural productivity in communities nationwide.