Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, earlier today delivered the feature address at the handing-over and commissioning ceremony of a new cutter suction dredge and workboat for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), marking another significant investment in strengthening Guyana’s drainage and irrigation infrastructure.
The cutter suction dredge, equipped with an 800-horsepower engine and 18-inch discharge pipes, represents an investment of approximately G$948.9 million. The project was executed by GAICO Construction and General Services Inc. The addition of the dredge and workboat to the NDIA’s fleet will enhance the Authority’s capacity to undertake critical dredging and desilting works, improve water flow through drainage channels and provide more effective drainage and irrigation services to agricultural and residential communities.
While delivering remarks, Minister Mustapha emphasised that the investment is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to fulfilling its manifesto promise to deliver effective drainage and irrigation services to citizens across Guyana.
“There is a fundamental difference between a government that makes promises and a government that delivers. And our government, your government, has chosen the path of delivering to you,” the Minister stated.
He also highlighted the growing importance of agriculture to national development and global food security, noting that the progress recorded across Guyana’s agriculture sector reflects both the resilience of farmers and the investments being made to support increased production.
“Agriculture today is one of the most important sectors, not only in our country but around the world. And when you look back on where we came from and where we are today, we recognise the resilience and commitment of our farmers,” Minister Mustapha said.
The commissioning of the new equipment represents another step towards modernising the NDIA’s operational capabilities, improving the management of the country’s drainage and irrigation networks and strengthening the agriculture sector’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.
