Minister Mustapha orders extra pump to boost Georgetown drainage
May 14 2026
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday announced intensified flood mitigation efforts in Georgetown, including the installation of an additional pump at the River View Pump Station in Ruimveldt to improve drainage in flood-prone communities.
During a visit to the pump station, Minister Mustapha told members of the media that the extra pump was deployed following directives from President Mohamed Irfaan Ali as authorities move to strengthen drainage capacity in vulnerable areas such as Alexander Village.
According to the minister, one pump was already operational at the facility, but the newly installed unit has now been permanently added to enhance the system’s ability to manage excess water during periods of heavy rainfall. He disclosed that there are currently 16 pumps functioning across Georgetown and said recent interventions have already helped drain several flood-affected communities.
While providing an update on drainage operations within the capital, Minister Mustapha also expressed concern over the Cowan Street sluice, which falls under the management of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).
He revealed that the sluice remained closed during the recent rainfall events and said checks later confirmed that the council reportedly had no available operators to manage the structure at the time.
As a result, the minister indicated that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will now have to implement systems to ensure that all pumps and drainage infrastructure in Georgetown, including those controlled by the City Council, are fully operational whenever flooding threats arise.
During the visit, Minister Mustapha also inspected drainage structures in the community and found several drains heavily silted and blocked, restricting the free flow of water.
Following discussions with residents and a walk-through assessment of the area, the minister announced that machinery is expected to be deployed by Wednesday or Thursday to begin desilting works aimed at improving drainage and reducing flood risks within the community.
