Recent Posts
March 29, 2026
March 28, 2026
The government’s substantial investments in enhancing drainage and irrigation infrastructure in the Pomeroon and across the Essequibo Coast have been yielding positive results, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.
“When you look at the expenditure and the investment made in the region, it’s tremendous. For instance, in the Pomeroon, we resuscitated the entire agricultural landscape,” he said.
Speaking to Region Two farmers on Friday, the minister explained that these initiatives form part of a broader effort by the government to reduce flooding, improve drainage and irrigation, and increase agricultural production in the region.
Prior to 2015, the Pomeroon was one of the most productive areas in the country but experienced a decline between 2015 and 2020.
Upon returning to office, the current government engaged with farmers and implemented various programmes to support them.
“Hundreds, if not thousands, of acres of bed-and-drains were rehabilitated. We built up the beds to prevent farms from flooding. We also carried out block drainage and invested over $500 million to dredge the Pomeroon River. These were direct investments aimed at developing the sector,” the minister stated.
Additionally, pump stations have been constructed at Cozier and Andrews, with another currently being built at Charity.
“This government has a rich history of supporting all sectors in this country,” said Minister Mustapha, highlighting that the region now has 16 pieces of machinery, including bulldozers, excavators, and graders, compared to eight five years ago.
In the coming weeks, the government will be handing over mini excavators to various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities in the region.
Nationally, an additional 40 pumps will be procured, and approximately 63 sluices across the country will be rehabilitated before the end of 2025.
A section of the gathering of farmers at the meeting
