WITH meteorologists warning that higher temperatures and possible droughts are likely in the coming months because of the El Niño weather phenomenon, the Government is allocating $145 million to augment water catchment systems across the island.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green made the announcement Wednesday in the House of Representatives during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate.

He told the House that the Rural Agricultural Development Authority will intensify its drought-mitigation strategy during the financial year, adding that “we are going to be embarking on a $145-million mini-water catchment pond construction programme”.