Agriculture minister provides update on flood mitigation efforts

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday afternoon, provided an update on flood mitigation efforts currently being executed by the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) during a visit to the River View Pump Station at Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

While engaging members of the media, Minister Mustapha disclosed that an additional pump was deployed to the pump station following instructions issued by His Excellency, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, to enhance drainage capacity in surrounding flood-prone communities, including Alexander Village.

The minister explained that there was already one pump operating at the location, but the additional pump was installed permanently to further improve the area’s drainage capability during periods of heavy rainfall.

He said that there are 16 pumps currently operable in Georgetown, and with the additional interventions, flood-prone areas have already been drained.

While speaking about drainage operations in the city, Minister Mustapha raised concerns regarding the Cowan Street sluice, which falls under the management of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

He noted that the sluice was not opened during the recent rainfall events and that inquiries made revealed that the Council did not have operators available to operate the sluice.

Minister Mustapha said systems will now have to be put in place by the NDIA to ensure that all pumps within Georgetown, including those managed by the City Council, are operational when needed to mitigate flooding in vulnerable communities.

During the visit, Minister Mustapha also conducted an assessment of the existing drainage structures within the area and noted that several drains were heavily silted and blocked.

After engaging residents and conducting a walk-through of the community, the Minister disclosed that a machine will be deployed to the area on Wednesday or Thursday to commence desilting works aimed at improving water flow and drainage within the community.

DPI