New RDC building among projects for Region 10 – Minister Persaud

The completion of the Christianburg Primary and a new Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building are among the projects earmarked for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

This was announced by junior Local Government Minister Anand Persaud during a recent meeting with the RDC. Persaud urged the Council to work in the best interest of the people to ensure that the community reaped the benefits of programmes, projects and initiatives outlined in Government’s recently-passed emergency budget. During the meeting that was held at the Watooka Complex in Linden, the Minister said the RDC had a “glorious opportunity” to do so, as he outlined numerous projects and initiatives from which the Region stood ready to benefit.
According to the Minister, approximately $165.7 million has been set aside for the education programme. He said Government would continue to invest in the continuing reconstruction of the Christianburg Nursery and Primary Schools, the rehabilitation of the One Mile Primary School and extensions to various other educational projects within Linden and other parts of the Region. In the area of health, he noted that over $66 million was set aside as Government would invest in the continuing rehabilitation of the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) at Wismar and the Legal Aid Centre at Christianburg, Linden among other projects. More than $43 million was injected into the Public Works programme, Minister Persaud outlined as he noted that Government would invest in the construction of a bridge at Kara Kara and other projects. Work is scheduled to continue on the construction of the new RDC building which falls under the admin programme, into which $17.4 million was injected, the Minister noted.
He further outlined plans of the Housing and Water Ministry for Region 10 with the acquisition of lands through the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission. This will see the development of new housing areas at Kwakwani, Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc.
The Minister also pointed to the construction of the road from Mabura to Lethem which is slated to commence sometime next year.
“…and you have to prepare your community for that influx of investment that will flow your way”, he urged members of the Council.
He reiterated that the Council should work to ensure proper infrastructure was in place and buildings were equipped with access for disabled persons.
He further urged that the Council and members of the community be “watchdogs” of contractors and ensure that services were delivered in a timely manner to the Region’s people.
“As I traverse around Guyana, I see a lot of roads in a deplorable state…no longer will we tolerate shoddy work. Contractors must know that they would be blacklisted if they do not adhere to specifications required,” the Minister warned.
He urged RDC Committees to ensure that contractors deliver work according to specifications.
“What you need to do as a Region, is to work, work hard to develop…,” Minister Persaud urged.