Farmers of Ruby in Parika, Region Three, will receive immediate assistance from the government following a consultation with Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Vikash Ramkissoon on Wednesday afternoon.
Minister Ramkissoon, along with his technical team, visited the community to listen to farmers’ concerns and to find solutions to their issues.
Some of the issues highlighted include streetlights, drainage and irrigation, and water management.
Regarding the streetlights, the minister said that representatives from the Ministry of Public Works will begin an assessment to determine how to ensure the area receives more light poles. Some areas have already been illuminated, and the process is expected to continue.
In addition, teams from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Waters Users Association, and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) have advanced work to rectify the remaining drainage and water issues.
“The People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government, headed by His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is a government on the move, and once matters are raised, we will move immediately to resolve in the interest of the Guyanese people,” he added.
The minister assured residents that the community outreaches are part of the ministry’s commitment to working closely with farmers and ensuring their concerns are addressed on time.
“We are working very hard to ensure that all canals are properly maintained. You have seen the amount of work we have been doing to ensure that your farmlands do not flood, and we will continue to work with you to resolve these issues in a timely manner.”
Minister Ramkissoon is expected to continue several community outreaches in the coming weeks.