Guyana: As part of the government’s community participation programme the administration has signed around 60 contracts valued at $300 million with the vision to upgrade the infrastructure in 25 communities across Region Eight.
On Saturday, Vladim Persaud, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works during the meeting in Kurukubaru signed 21 contracts with Toshaos. Additionally, five other communities also signed contracts at Mahdia.
During the meeting in boardroom of the Mahdia Community Centre, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill also delivered the remarks.
He announced that the villages that will be benefited are Taruka, Monkey Mountain, Paramakatoi, Tuseneng, Kanapang/Penak, Itabac, Kamala, Waipa, Kaibarupai, Kurukabaru, Kato, Kopinang, Chenapou, Karisparu, Campbelltown, and Micobie.
It is to be noted that the community participation programme allows all the villages under contract to play a direct role in the maintenance of all the trails and roads.
Minister Juan Edghill also stated that this initiative will empower them to take notes of the required upgradations and implement it on the local infrastructure projects with the support of the government of Guyana.
The minister also clearly set a timeline for each and every project to be completed. He strictly mentioned that no excuses and delays will be tolerated.
“We are looking at the 15 of December, all of the works that we are asking you to do must be completed,” Minister Juan Edghill disclosed.
He further advised all the contractors present during the meeting to work in collaboration keeping the vision in mind always, that is to benefit the citizens with the infrastructural developments.
Additionally, Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Amerindian Affairs also highlighted that the programme aims at creating opportunities for locals by involving them and providing them the economic support.
“In some instances, the village will bring the entire village, women, men and youths to work on the roadway or the village councils will provide employment to both women and young people, so they earn from this activity. Together, it is like a partnership with the government and the people,” she added.
The ministers also mentioned that the infrastructure upgrade in Region Eight is part of the government’s pledge of improving the rural roadways in Guyana. So they have been continuously incorporating ideas to support local economies, and strengthen collaboration between regional communities and the state.
