The current dry spell experienced in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has forced scores of residents living in the Pomeroon River to paddle several miles in the Savannahs to source fresh water for domestic purposes.
According to a PPP\C Councillor, Brian Basil Persaud, persons living in the Pomeroon River have no other choice but to endure the arduous task of paddling for miles to get drinking water. According to Persaud the situation is serious and many families are suffering. The Councillor also reported that water in the river has become salted as far as Siriki village.
As such residents who spoke with Inews said that they are suffering and called on the Coalition Government to provide them with black tanks and drinking water. Cash crop farmers have also expressed that their fields are dry and they cannot irrigate their lands due to the intrusion of salt water in the Pomeroon River.
According to another farmer the situation is very bad and the Region must do something to assist persons living in the river. The farmer also said that the REO in the Region, Rupert Hopkinson is not doing anything to address farmers’ need and is busy building recreational parks as opposed to providing drinking water and irrigation for residents and rice farmers.
In addition, on the Coast, the situation is worse, rice farmers continue to struggle for water in their fields for irrigation purposes. Young rice plants in numerous rice fields are burning down in quest for water. The Dawa Pump station has thus far failed to provide adequate water to rice lands despite continuous pumping.
Over 5000 acres of lands in the Cozier Agriculture Scheme is without water and despite reports made to the REO to represent the interest of farmers nothing is being done. Residents are calling on the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder and Central Government for their intervention in offering some sort assistance to those affected.
Water crisis…Pomeroon residents appeal for Govt’s help
Under PPP you all would never appeal.. you all would have demand and demand and demand until your demands are met if not its on to the streets with yall PNC slogan..