Minister Mustapha,NDIA outlines drainage operations across several Regions

Government has intensified its national flood response following heavy rainfall across coastal regions, with President Irfaan Ali leading the inspections while the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Drainage and irrigation Authority (NDIA) continues to coordinate drainage efforts on the ground.

These efforts continued on Saturday, as Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, alongside NDIA Chief Executive Officer Lionel Wordsworth, visited several flood affected areas, including Plasiance, East Coast Demerara, where they assessed drainage systems and updated residents on ongoing interventions.

Minister Mustapha dismissed reports circulating on social media that drainage pumps were non-operational, confirming that the system in the area remains fully functional.

"I am here, the pump is operable and most of the systems we have in place are working," the Minister stated.

He noted that the country's drainage network is under pressure due to intense rainfall recorded over the past 24 hours, with some areas receiving more than 112 millimetres of rain, according to the Hydrometeorological Office.

Mustapha reported that on the East Coast of Demerara, 53 pumps are in place, with 51 currently operational, while additional pumps are being deployed to strengthen capacity.

"We are putting more pumps in place. In Success, we are installing two additional pumps and another at Montrose, bringing the total to 56 pumps on the East Coast," he explained.

He added that similar systems are in operation across the country, including 16 pumps in Georgetown, 17 in Region Five, and close to 75 in Region Six, all contributing to drainage efforts as water levels begin to recede.

The Minister disclosed that other Cabinet members are deployed across all regions to monitor conditions in real time, while President Ali is personally leading inspections in Region Three.

Additionally, providing technical details on the situation, NDIA CEO Lionel Wordsworth noted that the agency has fully activated its national drainage network to manage water accumulation caused by the intense rainfall.

He explained that coastal regions experienced high-intensity rainfall within a short period, leading to temporary flooding in several low-lying communities, including Montrose, Plaisance, Success, and parts of Region Three and Six.

"We recorded in excess of 112 millimetres of rainfall in some areas, and that resulted in water accumulation in several communities," Wordsworth said.

He confirmed that 215 pumps have been deployed nationwide, supported by recently acquired mobile pumps strategically positioned in flood-prone areas.

"These include new mobile units, including 40-cusec and 120-cusec pumps, which are now part of our expanded drainage fleet," he noted.

Wordsworth added that while major conservancies remain at manageable levels, authorities are closely monitoring the Maika and Maikoni creek areas due to rising water levels and backwater effects.

He further stated that dredging works are ongoing at key outfall channels, supported by amphibious machinery to improve drainage flow.

"All systems are being operated at optimal levels, and we remain on high alert throughout this rainy period," the NDIA CEO said.

Meanwhile, government agencies continue to urge residents to avoid dumping garbage into drains and canals, as this can obstruct water flow and slow drainage efforts. Noting that monitoring and response operations will continue around the clock as rainfall conditions persist across several regions.