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During a meeting with officials of the Agriculture sector and other stakeholders yesterday, Mahaica rice farmers complained drainage works not being properly carried out.One farmer complained specifically about the situation at Wilhelmina,Ronnie Lott USC Jersey, Mahaica, explaining that the NDC, MMA/ADA and the NDIA were well aware of the situation,Chris Hogan Patriots Jersey UK, but it appeared that the appeals for something to be done were falling on deaf ears.The farmer stated that the drainage koker was too high, the drainage trench was silted up, and salt water was not being drawn out. The current rainy season is expected to add more problems to the issue.Chairman of the NDC,Jason Pominville Jersey, Deodat Maraj, in responding to the complaints, explained that the Council was advised by the Regional Office to submit a programme of works for Drainage and Irrigation for the area.“Last year,Martin Brodeur Jersey, we submitted a programme to the region of all the canals mentioned,” he stated. Works for almost all the main drainage and irrigation canals in the farming community were listed. “What happened here, we were allocated a sum of $10M to do this work” said Maraj, adding that the sum was proposed by the Regional Engineer.“Subsequently,Diego Laxalt Uruguay Jersey, the region was given this sum. And to my surprise, this money was handed to the MMA without the knowledge of the NDC. And to date none of this work has been completed. Very little, if any at all.”Maraj added that he was asked again this year to submit another work programme. This programme includes the same works listed on the previous year’s work programme.“Subsequently to date,Tony Gonzalez Falcons Jersey, this money has not been allocated as yet. I have submitted. We are receiving just enough money to run administration, from the taxpayers’ money that we have got,” stated MarajWhen questioned, Maraj said that the administration costs for the NDC are between $1m and $1.2 m. The NDC receives about $2.5m to $3 m a year in rates and taxes from the community,Josh Hart College Jersey, plus a $3 m subvention from Central Government.“I want to tell you if this money was allocated to the NDC,Shawn Kelley Nationals Jersey, this work would have been completed,” Maraj declared.He called on the MMA/ADA and the RDC to take serious note of the work programme submitted.Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud who was present at the meeting,Brian Elliott Jersey, instructed that a meeting be held with the Regional Executive Officer, to get the work done, “even if MMA has to get the work done” the Minister stated flatly.Confirming that the work has to be done by machine, he indicated that the MMA would have to deploy one to ensure that the tasks are carried out in the area.