The five-man committee assessing losses suffered by residents of Cane Grove, Mahaica following the East Demerara Conservancy Dam breach two weeks ago, is headed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Pulandar Kandhi.

Other members of the body, established by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta, a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said, are the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Overseer, Bibi Boodhoo; resident, Ophelia Williams; NDC Councillor and retired senior Land Development Officer, Shelton Algoo; and Vibert DeSouza from the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock.

Members of the committee, the release further stated, were tasked with developing the Terms of Reference for the assessment. A report is expected before the end of two weeks. This will include findings and recommendations as they relate to the assistance the government should give.

The minister, the release also stated, emphasized that the exercise was not geared to offer compensation to residents but would take the form of assistance, which could be in cash and kind.

Many residents at Cane Grove suffered losses to their cash crops when the East Demerara Conservancy Dam ruptured immersing several communities in knee high water in most places.

Meanwhile, $750,000 in basic food and cash donations, raised through a private appeal, was transported to the community on Wednesday last. Among the companies associated with the appeal, launched by Mings Products and Services are the Guyana Power and Light Inc, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Ltd, Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, Ricks and Sari Industries, Compton Davis, Bakewell, Palm Court Restaurant and Bar and the Beharry Group of Companies. Other contributors included C&F Meat Centre, the Guyana Red Cross Society, Caribbean Containers Ltd, Precision Woodworking Ltd, Caribbean Chemicals, Whitewater Adventures Tours, the New Thriving Restaurant, H.N. Tony Trading Enterprise, Wieting and Richter, and Mings Products and Services.