The Torani Canal in northeastern Guyana serves to move water from the Berbice River into the Canje River.[1] It was to serve as irrigation for the sugar industry,[2] and subsequently the rice industry.
The canal is 14 miles long.[3] The Berbice River inlet is located some 80 km from the sea where, although subject to tidal influence, flow is fresh throughout the year. A five-door sluice controls the flow of water into the canal.[3] The outlet on the Canje River is near the community of Wel te Vreeden. A three-door sluice controls flow out of the canal.
It was rehabilitated by BK International Inc. under the supervision of the Caribbean Engineering Management Consultancy Guyana Limited in collaboration with Mott Mac Donald. The duel purpose of the canal is to transfer water from the higher elevation along the Berbice River to irrigate the backlands of the Black Bush Polder rice cultivation and at the same time to reduce the excessive surface runoff precipitation during the rainy season. Hence, the Canje River. is at a lower elevation and it’s the shortest distance of the two to the Atlantic Ocean “storehouse”.
See also
- Agriculture in Guyana
- East Demerara Water Conservancy
References
- ^ "Fyrish, Chesney await relief from flooding". Stabroek News. 2017-06-30. Retrieved 2021-02-01.
- ^ "GuySuCo seeking cultural tourism sweet spot to bolster operations". Stabroek News. 2019-08-25. Retrieved 2021-02-01.
- ^ a b "Torani Canal becoming shallower as banks slide into water". Stabroek News. 2013-02-03. Retrieved 2021-02-01.