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In light of climate change and the added pressure it places on drainage and irrigation infrastructure, several measures have been taken to boost the capacity of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC).The conservancy was developed in 1880 to channel several water sources and distribution systems from the Lama and Maduni rivers. Its principal users are sugar cane plantations, and rice and cash crop farmers of the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara and Georgetown.During a visit to the conservancy on Saturday, Minister of Agriculture,Tyrann Mathieu LSU Jersey, Robert Persaud, Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth,John Calipari Kentucky Jersey, and other officials inspected ongoing work and outlined some of the major interventions made at the EDWC.Significant sums are being invested to enhance the effectiveness of the conservancy. Approximately $140M has been spent on machinery and equipment to conduct works,Derrick Rose Memphis Jersey, while about $22M is being spent to open additional waterways and strengthening the embankment.Work presently ongoing includes widening the dam and building it higher,Patrick Peterson LSU Jersey, resulting in increased storage, so that in times of intense rainfall more water can be stored and flooding will be avoided or reduced.Two things are being done –increasing the seepage path and making the embankment suitably sound. This is done by taking suitable materials from the savannah to make the dam, Lionel Wordsworth explained.A seepage path is being filled up,Len Bias Maryland Jersey, as this was unsafe for the embankment. This will create more inland space, strengthening the embankment. The cleaning of the perimeter channel also allows for a more efficient discharge of water.At present, major rehabilitation works are being done from Flagstaff to Lusignan, on the East Coast of Demerara, which covers about 20 miles.However,Miami Hurricanes Jerseys, Minister Persaud said that works are being done throughout the conservancy,Memphis Tigers Jerseys, but this stretch is said to be a vulnerable section.A major intake structure at Enmore was built at a cost of $27M. This will provide irrigation for sugar and rice farmers in a more efficient and inexpensive manner.The minister explained that farmers had to take the expense of pumping water before,Cheap Authentic Jerseys, so now, with the completion of the intake structure, they will benefit.Additionally over $14M was spent on the installation of a new door and lifting mechanism at the Kofi Relief Sluice on the conservancy end.This will increase the discharge capability of the conservancy during periods of heavy rainfall. This, Minister Robert Persaud said, will relieve pressures put on the Mahaica/ Mahaicony areas.Currently, there are ongoing technical work and engagement with the World Bank and the Department for International Development (DIFID) to finance the improvement works at Cunia through the Conservancy Adaptation Project.This project will finance the development of the hydrologic baseline, which forms the technical foundation for a master plan for the EDWC and adjoining lowlands to guide future projects, as well as upgrading works aimed at improving the operational improvements and flood control capacity of the EDWC, which will serve as guidance.To date,China Jerseys Authentic, over $500M is being spent to improve the storage and discharge capability of the EDWC. |
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