“Model Village” concept to be implemented in every community – Pres Ali assures

…as public consultations continue on ECD

As public consultations continue across the country on the pilot phase of the “Model Village” initiative, President Dr Irfaan Ali said on Thursday that this concept will be implemented in all the communities across Guyana, so that every citizen can live in a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable space.

The Model Village initiative was launched on Monday by President Dr Irfaan Ali, and is expected to be rolled out in some 22 communities across various regions in this first phase.
According to President Ali, this concept will be executed in every community across the country to enhance roads, drainage, irrigation systems and green spaces.
“[These] are the pilots. This is what is going to be implemented in every village across our country,” the Head of State assured on Thursday.
He was at the time addressing residents during a public consultation at Melanie Damishana on the East Coast of Demerara, which is one of the villages identified for the pilot phase of the initiative.

The President explained that over the last few months, technical teams comprising engineers, planners, architects, and development specialists have been going into these earmarked communities to conduct assessments. They identified some of the challenges and came up with solutions to enhance these communities.

Scope of works
During Thursday’s engagement, residents were presented with the development plans to transform the Melanie Damishana-Nonnareil area.
The proposed works include the construction of 70 culverts and seven bridges along with 32,200 metres (m) of hardened shoulders, 43,400m of concrete drains and 26,900m of walkways.
Some 64,100m of road shoulders and drains are slated to be cleaned, including the removal of approximately 70 derelicts, 620 garbage and material heaps, and 42 encumbrances.
Additionally, 122 street lights are expected to be installed while some 100 utility poles will be replaced, and 43 new hydrants are set for installation in the community.
The plans will also see the planting of 423 trees and general landscaping; the streetscaping of 27,700m of road; the enhancement of all existing 14 public spaces; and the development of three new green spaces for recreational facilities and vending hubs. Similarly, four industrial parking locations will be established in the area.
“All the trucks that park and block up the road [and] all the heavy equipment will have to go to the industrial area. The mechanic shops, the spray painting shops – all of these things. Then there would be one reserve for all the entertainment places. So, you will have an entertainment district [that is] not in the neighbourhood. When Granny want to sleep, she don’t have to worry about calling the Police to turn down the music. All of these things we have to fix,” the Guyanese leader emphasised.
He went on to add, “Our plan is not to displace vending. It’s to make it more structured, more hygienic, cleaner [and] safer. Imagine if we can have one area with all the food vendors and a nice food court; how different it will be. People will come to your community to have that experience.”

Celebrating community heroes
Moreover, President Ali pointed out that as part of the enhancement is the installation of signage throughout the community that will celebrate local prominent figures. In total, approximately 73 street signs are earmarked to be installed in the Melanie Damishana-Nonpareil area.
“We want to celebrate people in the community… This is something I want to see in Guyana, where communities celebrate your heroes and heroines,” the Head of State posited.
Public consultations on the Model Village initiative along the East Coast corridor were also held in Enmore and Good Hope.
Already, engagements were held across communities in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and on the East Bank of Demerara in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) that were identified for this pilot phase.
The consultations will continue today in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) at Bush Lot, Bath and Hopetown. It will then move to Port Mourant, Rose Hall, Skeldon and New Amsterdam in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday, and then conclude on Monday with meetings scheduled for Supenaam, Suddie, Charity and Anna Regina in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
This initiative is being spearheaded by the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry alongside the Housing Ministry, the Public Works Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry.