Irrigation project boosted
Published:Tuesday | April 13, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Efforts by the Government to increase agricultural production and farmers' earnings through improved irrigation management are being boosted through a $193-million allocation to the National Irrigation Development Project.
As stated in the 2010-11 Esti-mates of Expenditure, which is now before the House of Repre-sentatives, the money will go towards the installation of pipes, fittings and appurtenances at New Forest/Duff House in Manchester; continue the strengthening of Water Users Associations and the training of farmers; and commence a feasibility study for the establishment of an irrigation system in Essex Valley, St Elizabeth.
Work will also be undertaken in Colbeck, St Catherine, to bring irrigation water to farmers.
The project, which is being implemented by the National Irrigation Commission, got under way in 2005 and is scheduled for completion in November 2011. It is being funded jointly by the Government of Jamaica and the Inter-American Development Bank.
As at February 2010, pipes, fittings and appurtenances were installed at Colbeck and a pump house built; and four wells in New Forest and two in Yallahs, St Thomas, were drilled and tested.
In addition, there is ongoing cadastral mapping of Yallahs and New Forest/Duff House and upgrading of Customer Relationship Management Systems.