Drainage strategy sets course for climate resilience
June 18th 2026
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Thursday attended the preliminary launch of the National Drainage and Irrigation Strategy (NDIS) 2030, describing the initiative as a significant step toward building a more resilient, productive and prosperous Guyana.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Minister Mustapha said the strategy is the first comprehensive drainage and irrigation framework to be developed and published in Guyana following extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders.
He noted that the document reflects a shared vision for the future of the country’s drainage and irrigation systems and underscores their importance in supporting national development.
According to the Minister, traditional approaches to drainage and irrigation management are no longer adequate to meet Guyana’s changing needs, particularly as the country grapples with the impacts of climate change and increasing developmental pressures.
He emphasized that drainage and irrigation have evolved beyond agricultural concerns and are now central to economic growth, climate adaptation and national development planning.
Mustapha also highlighted several ongoing and planned interventions aimed at strengthening the country’s water management systems. These include the rehabilitation or reconstruction of 93 sluices nationwide, the construction of high-level canals in Regions Three, Five and Six, and the procurement of 63 additional pumps to be deployed in flood-prone areas.
He added that government has invested in additional machinery and equipment to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve the management of flooding and other climate-related events.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Strategy 2030 outlines a coordinated approach to modernizing Guyana’s drainage and irrigation network. It seeks to improve infrastructure, governance and institutional capacity to support better water management, increase agricultural productivity, reduce flood risks and strengthen climate resilience.
The strategy also promotes integrated, data-driven and participatory approaches aligned with national development priorities and international best practices.
