Flood-weary farmers and residents in the Mahaica and Mahaicony creeks should be breathing at least a slight sigh of relief at the decision to stop releasing water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) into the Mahaica creek.

Although authorities have listed the process as “controlled release,” farmers have been severely inundated by water from the conservancy, heavy rainfall and the spring tide.

The privately-owned Stabroek News newspaper reported on Thursday that many of the farmers in the East Coast communities were considering packing up and leaving their paddy fields, cattle and vegetable farms.

The EDWC Board on Thursday issued the following statement, saying that releasing water into the Mahaica creek would cease. However, they will continue to do so into the Demerara River

Following is the statement:

“The East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) Commission has reviewed the levels of the EDWC and has observed recently that the level has been stable and decreasing, consequently a decision has been taken to stop controlled release of excess water via the Lama and Maduni sluices into the Mahaica Creek.

“The EDWC has taken this decision following a reduction of rainfall. However, the EDWC will continue releasing excess water into the Demerara River at Kofi, Land of Canaan five Door and Cunia Sluices.

Persistent heavy rainfall coupled with the current La Nina weather phenomenon, saw the water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy rose to a threatening level, posing much danger to the integrity of the conservancy dam which runs behind the East Coast Demerara and Georgetown areas.”