NDIA to assist with flood-mitigation in EBD areas.

During a meeting with farmers and residents from Coverden on the East Bank of Demerara yesterday, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and Minister of Agriculture  Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed that a team from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will soon commence work to assist with flood-mitigation in farming areas located along the East Bank of Demerara.

A team of engineers from the drainage authority headed by its Chairman, Lionel Wordsworth is expected to return to the area in the coming days to conduct an assessment, after which, a comprehensive drainage plan will be developed to guide the works.

The Vice President also said that the ministry will soon engage residents and commence training to assist with activities such as grafting at the ministry’s plant nursery at Timehri, this, he noted, will assist with ensuring the facility has sufficient planting materials.

Minister Mustapha also said that NAREI and GLDA officers will visit the area to work with farmers. He said that in addition to planting materials, farmers will also receive assistance with breeding animals for livestock as well as technical support for the cultivation of coconuts, cash crops, and other fruits and vegetables.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame Mc Coy was also part of the visiting delegation.