Flood hit South Rupununi farmers gets Gov’t assistance as water recedes

As flood waters continue to recede in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), efforts will now be focused on helping farmers, as several villages report severe damage to crops.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal and Regional Executive Officer (REO) Karl Singh led a team on a flood assessment of several communities in the deep south Rupununi, over the weekend. It was pointed out that on Saturday the team visited the community of Bashaizon, which reports indicates is one of the hardest hit by the flood. While there, the team distributed food hampers to the more than 30 families who suffered from loss of crops.

Among those who expressed appreciation for the items was Toshao Sidwell Johnson. In a media related interview Johnson disclosed that the assistance is timely, as the flood left many persons with ‘nothing.’ The team met residents of Shea, Aishalton and Karaudarnau on Saturday, where concerns were raised regarding the flooding and other issues affecting the communities.

Croal being quoted by the media after the assessment, noted that he was pleased that the water was receding at a rapid rate. However, the farms were most affected. “The entire region in the farming area, mainly is currently affected, and that’s because where their farms are located is low land, many of them are at the mountain foot or where there is a water stream, river flowing etc., so that’s why they are vulnerable,” the minister said.

Minister Croal is maintaining his presence in the region. He was expected to meet with the regional task force on Monday to further assess the situation. “The efforts therefore now have to deal with persons who are affected in terms of their farming,” Croal said.

The minister pointed out that 91 persons are occupying three shelters in Lethem. He said that the number has significantly decreased from the 150 persons who were earlier in four shelters. “Nationally, and from a government level, the next focus obviously will have to address persons who will be unable to return to the farming activities obviously because it’s still water-soaked and for a prolonged period,” Croal explained.

The minister noted that the village leaders will provide the taskforce with more detailed information from the affected villages. He revealed that the flood in Region Nine began close to a week ago, when water quickly rose, inundating homes, roads, bridges and farmlands and cutting off road access to St. Ignatius.

It was noted that Croal has been on the ground assessing the situation since Thursday. Additionally, several toshaos and residents expressed appreciation for governments’ quick response and handling of the situation.