By Saskia Warrick | November 27, 2024
The National Assembly has approved over five billion dollars in funding for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to enhance drainage systems across Guyana.
This allocation is part of the government’s larger $84 billion supplementary budget aimed at supporting national development.
Of the total amount, over $2 billion will be directed towards capital projects. These projects include the construction of access roads, rehabilitation of farm-to-market routes, dredging of outfalls, and the building of drainage channels.
Additionally, mini and amphibious excavators will be procured to assist flood-prone communities, benefiting hundreds of residents across multiple regions.
In response to concerns from Opposition Member Vincent Jordan, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha clarified that the management of these new machines would be handled directly by the NDIA.
Minister Mustapha also provided an update on the construction of the new pump station at Cottage, Mahaicony.
While the project is 70% complete, delays have prompted the government to pursue damages from the contractor.
In addition to the capital allocation, another $2.5 billion has been approved for current expenditures, bringing the total amount to over $5 billion for drainage improvements.
These efforts are part of the broader national development strategy supported by the government’s supplementary budget.