Drainage pump commissioned in New Amsterdam

…“Be ready for explosive development in this region” – Ali to Berbicians

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday afternoon commissioned a new drainage pump in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The pump is expected to assist with drainage to the north-eastern section of the town.
The project, which was undertaken by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), is expected to provide better drainage for the Vryman’s Erven area, Smithfield, Tucburg Park and Mount Sinai – which is popularly referred to as Angoy’s Avenue.
The entire Vryman’s Erven area frequently floods as a result of rainfall, with the Vryman’s Erven Housing Scheme seeing water covering the entire road network during heavy downpours.
The pump, which has the capacity to push 40,000 gallons per second, has been installed in Tucburg and will drain water into the Canje River.
Speaking at a simple commissioning ceremony on Friday, President Ali pointed out that the pump is one of ten which were purchased and installed in the region with a capacity of between 40,000 and 150,000 gallons per second.
He said within a few days a second such pump will be installed within the township.
“We are going to put another pump in this township because we want the township to be dry, but beyond that we have already decided that with the right Town Council, which is ready to work with Central Government, we are going to invest in a massive overhaul of the internal drainage system of the town. We have to brighten the town, reenergise the town. You do that by creating an environment that welcomes people.”
On this note, the Head of State pointed to the tourism potential of the entire region, including the town of New Amsterdam.
“Don’t underestimate the potential for tourism. We can build products, second to none; we can make the township [a] holiday hotspot for persons coming and wanting to enjoy Berbice… We have tremendous potential. As we commission this facility today, be ready for explosive development in this region,” the Head of State said.
Meanwhile the President took the opportunity to call on residents of the town to throw their support behind a team of new faces who will be contesting for seats on the Town Council at the upcoming Local Government Elections.
According to President Ali, since taking office in 2020, to the end of last year, his Government has invested some $55 billion on Region Six.
This, he pointed out, does not include the grants given to some sections of society, the assistance to school children nor the investment in both the health and education sectors. The $55 billion also does not include money paid as pension. Rather, it is only investments made in infrastructure, but does not include development to sea defences of farm to market access roads.
The change this has brought about is being seen in every community, resulting in many persons returning to Guyana.
“The economic prosperity of this region is linked to a Government that has a firm understanding of what the macro vision is. When we talk about energy security for the Guyana corridor starting from French Guiana coming all the way up, Berbice will be a part of that discussion; we talk about an exclusive economic zone, Berbice is a part of the discussion; we talk about the deep-water port, Berbice is a part of the discussion,”
The Head of State said while some are working on ways to divide the Guyanese people, his Administration is working on the next generation of projects which include a new single crossing bridge for the Berbice River.
“We are talking about ways in which we will expand the investment at Palmyra to support the expansion of New Amsterdam,” President Ali said.
Also attending the ceremony was Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who has responsibility for the NDIA. (G4)