The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has handed over civil works projects completed in three communities to the relevant regional authorities.
The projects – all Government initiatives – were completed in collaboration with the GDF. A total of 60 troops from the GDF Engineering Corps working in three groups completed the projects.
Regional Chairman David Armogan and ranks of the GDF along with children from the region cutting the ribbon to declare the bridge open
Among the projects were a 40-foot lightweight vehicle bridge that was constructed at Catherine/Burma in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). In addition, the GDF said, the troops also raised the dam along a 100-foot stretch and completed a 72-foot revetment to the northern section of the dam fronting the bridge.
Completed in just over four weeks, the project was handed over to Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal. Ramphal said that he was happy to have the GDF involved in the work programme of the region and expressed gratitude to the Army’s Engineering Corps for completing the project and delivering a functional bridge for the community.
The newly-constructed bridge provides access to residents in the immediate and surrounding communities as well as access for the fishing community that operates from the nearby Abary Sluice.
A resident of Region Five with Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and ranks of the GDF at the opening of the bridge
In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the former Information Technology building at the Port Mourant Sports Club Ground was retrofitted over a nine-week period.
It now houses a block of rest and changing rooms to accommodate males and females. The facility was handed over to the groundsman in charge.
Also, in Region Six, a lightweight bridge with a 70-foot span was constructed at Lesbeholden between January 18 and February 22.
Region Six Chairman David Armogan received the completed structure and expressed thanks on behalf of the Region and the residents of the community. He also welcomed the initiative to have the GDF Engineering Corps in communities contributing their skills for the benefit of the citizens.
In handing over the facilities to stakeholder representatives, Project Engineer for the Government of Guyana, Brigadier Gary Beaton said that each of the projects fell within the scope of the vision of Commander-in-Chief, President Irfaan Ali to have the GDF become more community-oriented in its service to Guyana.
“With bridges in particular, these are significant symbols and real entities that foster connection, cooperation and harmony by bringing people and communities together. At the sites of these three projects, we were pleased and thankful for the support of the people. Our soldiers developed real connections with the residents and this is a positive offshoot for projects such as these. It is not just about the GDF going to communities to build physical structures; more importantly, it is about the residents and the communities building bonds and experiencing the humanity of our military,” he added.
For the construction of the two bridges, the materials were provided by the regional administrations.
