Govt invests over $300M to upgrade Mon Repos fisherfolk landing site

-Keeps promise to resolve issues

Mon Repos/North De Endragt fishermen will soon benefit from a major upgrade to their landing site, fulfilling a promise made by President Dr Irfaan Ali last July. The Government is investing more than $300 million in infrastructure works, to enhance the facility, ensuring better working conditions for fisherfolk along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).
The Mon Repos North landing site serves as a critical hub for fishermen along the East Coast, and operates 24 hours a day. It is also used by boat builders, making these upgrades essential to supporting the industry’s growth and sustainability.
During a site visit on Wednesday last, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha assured that the project would be completed within two months, emphasising the administration’s commitment to supporting and modernising landing sites nationwide.
“This is a commitment that was made by the President. A shed and landing area were built, and the contractor is now working on the other phase. In that phase, a ramp will be built to give fishermen easier access to bring up their boats. We will also do a revetment with a small wharf. The entire project will cost just over $300 million. This is another area that we are developing to enhance the facilities where fisherfolk operate. I mentioned these projects during my budget presentation,” he explained.

Minister Mustapha noted that the rehabilitation works will extend further when the second phase commences. This will include landscaping, electrical works, and the installation of solar lights to enhance safety. Additionally, new tables for cleaning fish will be added, to improve efficiency for fisherfolk.
Fulfilling promises
Mid-2024, during a community walkabout, President Dr Irfaan Ali assured residents of Mon Repos that issues affecting fisherfolk will be resolved in phases.
Among the crucial issues to be addressed are the construction of an access road and ramp to facilitate fishermen in bringing their produce onshore. Additionally, dredging the waterway in the area is on the agenda to ease the challenges boats currently face due to shallow waters.
At the time, the Head of State explained that the undertaking is part of the Government’s transformative agenda that caters to the improvement of working conditions of the 500 fisherfolks who ply their trade within the Mon Repos community.
Meanwhile, as it relates to enhancing the livelihood of residents, President Ali disclosed plans to regularise squatting lands being occupied by some 600 households.
This includes resolving outstanding disputes among neighbours to expedite the process of providing the ownership documents to the residents.