Several contracts amounting to $1.7 billion were Monday awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at improving drainage and irrigation facilities across the country.
Some of the contracts signed on Monday by several agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture are for the construction of a drainage structure at Palmyra Region Six amounted costing $57 million. This project will benefit 1,500 acres of residential and farmland areas in the region.
The construction of a revetment along the Lamaha Canal, Georgetown valued at $19.6 million will protect the structural integrity of the canal. It will also maintain the delivery of surface water to the Guyana Water Incorporated to provide water for in excess of 200,000 persons daily.
The contracts were awarded to NP Investment and M Sukhai Contracting Services.
In addition, the Agriculture Sector Development Unit’s Sustainable Agricultural Development Project (ASDU-SADP) signed contracts valued at $1.5 million.
These contracts are for the rehabilitation of the Liliendaal and Ogle sluices to improve drainage in the coastal areas in Region Four and reduce their vulnerability to flooding. The project will indirectly impact the entire Region Four through operations, monitoring and emergency preparedness.
General Engineering Supplies and Services Inc will supply and deliver the rehabilitation of the Liliendaal and Ogle drainage systems valued at $1,288,805,122 while the CEMCO will carry out the supervision for the rehabilitation of the Liliendaal and Ogle drainage systems through the contract valued at $43.7 million.
The other contract is for the construction of a laboratory office to support the Guyana Food Security Authority to maintain the health and well-being of consumers. This will be carried out by Anil Lalsa Construction.
The drainage and irrigation contracts were funded by the World Bank. Its Resident Representative for Guyana, Diletta Dorettie said it is important that long-term support is provided to the Guyana Flood Relief Project.
“The World Bank in supporting the government of Guyana providing technical assistance with the development of a complimentary masterplan related to the Georgetown area which will be completed shortly,” she said. Further, Dorettie said these works will complement existing facilities.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha at the signing ceremony said the Government remains cognizant of climate change and its effects here. Mustapha noted that efforts to provide improved drainage across the country are important. He also said that these are efforts to address the heavy floods observed in 2021.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha at the signing ceremony said the Government remains cognizant of climate change and its effects here.
“This project from the World Bank is a continuation of the government partnership with the World Bank and other partnering agencies to improve the drainage system in vulnerable areas,” he said.
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute signed a contract amounting to $185 million which will see Agrosol supply and deliver prefab metal tunnel houses.
The minister said that the tunnel houses will greatly benefit the Agriculture and Innovation entrepreneurship project launched by President Dr Irfaan Ali last year.
