Drainage and irrigation work to commence soon in Good Hope – Pres Ali

…says more enhancement projects are in pipeline

Major drainage and irrigation works will commence in the community of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to clear 29 kilometres of drains across 24 streets.
This commitment was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali following concerns raised by residents during a community meeting on Monday.
The project, which is set to begin next week, will enhance the flow of waste water in the community and is part of efforts to counter flooding during heavy rainfall and improve the physical health and well-being of residents.

According to Ali, Government has taken a proactive approach to governance, one which ensures relief is provided to citizens upon request.
This approach, he said, ensures that all voices are heard and no one is purposely left behind.
“We are working to ensure that every single community become prosperous… in every community, we have an equitable chance of advancing development, that is the priority of the Government…We don’t wait on you to come to us. We go to every single community. We interact. We will try to find solutions for the problems you have on the ground,” he told the gathering.
Currently, there are 297 infrastructural projects valued at $9.3 billion underway on the East Coast corridor and these projects are expected to be completed by April.
In Good Hope, work has been completed on 41 roads valued at some $1.2 billion, except for two structures which will be completed soon.
Responding to concerns about the projects, the Head of State underscored the importance of ensuring that development aligned with the priorities of the people.
On this point, he emphasised that Government’s proactive approach was resulting in development to every community across the country.
“If there is anyone in this country who can look at me with a straight face and say that they are not aware or they don’t feel, or understand, or see development in their community, then something is wrong with your conscience,” the Head of State said.
In relation to the other issues raised by the residents of Good Hope, President Ali instructed that a team including representatives from the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) return to the community on Tuesday to comprehensively address residents’ concerns.
These ranged from the need to rehabilitate roads and install street lights, to upgrading the community grounds.
In terms of water infrastructure, a new well is being drilled in the Mon Repos area, and upgrades are being made to the water treatment plant to better serve Good Hope and neighbouring communities. These projects represent a $600 million investment.
President Ali was accompanied by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag; Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, and Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar and technical officers. (G1)