New infrastructure to mitigate Orange Grove flooding
Jamaica
Tenders are expected to go out today (May 16) for the acquisition of a new mobile pump to help mitigate flooding from the Caroni River into farmlands.
But, with the rainy season approaching, a mobile pump from the Agriculture Ministry’s existing stock will be used, if needed, until the new unit is sourced.
Responding to questions in the Senate on Tuesday, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Avinash Singh could not give a timeframe for the acquisition of the pump, noting that the process will be dictated by the procurement.
The award of the tender is expected by June 16.
Singh noted that fiscal 2023 will see focus placed on treating with areas the Caroni River overtops its banks to limit the losses for Orange Grover farmers.
He noted that the sluice gate at the southwestern end of the Orange Grove project requires some attention, as it’s been breached, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
The Minister outlined the work to be done.
He said: “The issues that need to be addressed are: repair of the leaking sluice gates on the Caroni River; accelerating the rate of removal of water from the project area; repair of the broken cylinder crossing across the road that leads to the sluice gate; addressing the overtopping of the Caroni River embankment in certain areas.
Under the 2023 PSIP, we are replacing the single sluice gate that discharges into the Caroni River with a double 4ft wide sluice gate system. The new system will also contain flap gates to restrict flow of water into the project from the Caroni River.”
Singh noted that the Agriculture Ministry has also sought technical assistance from the Drainage Division of the Ministry of Works and Transport, particularly with the low-lying areas in the Caroni River embankment.
While the other flood gates at the Arouca River and the Dinsley River are functional, an assessment on those gates will also be undertaken.
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