$14M SLED projects at Hiawa working well

— residents have access to potable water

— agricultural project bringing in money for the community

— $8M multipurpose building commissioned

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, November 23, 2019

A total of nineteen projects have been executed within Region 9 at the cost of just over $200M under the Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) programme within the Ministry of Social Protection.

The community of Hiawa, located in Central Rupununi, Region 9 benefitted from two of the projects namely an agricultural initiative which includes sheep rearing at the cost of $6M and a multipurpose building at the cost of $8M.

Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally is assisted by a young girl from the community of Hiawa to cut the ribbon to officially open a multipurpose building.

Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally presents sport gear to a member of the community.

The recently commissioned multi-purpose building in Hiawa.

During a visit to the community on November 23, the Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally commissioned the multipurpose building, The minister and her team were warmly welcomed with cultural presentations from villagers and had a packed audience at her community engagement.

In her remarks, the minister reminded the residents of the developments they currently enjoy and promised more as requested.

“Your government has, and will, continue to bring the good life to all of Region 9 and Guyana. At Hiawa, we delivered potable water, built a state-of-the-art Nursery School, and today you will have a multipurpose building to benefit everyone here. The sheep rearing agricultural project is bringing in money to your community and by extension, lifting your living standards. We will continue to transform your lives for the better because our mission is to bridge the gap between coastland and hinterland,” Minister Ally remarked.

The community collectively expressed their appreciation to the David Granger-led administration for the projects executed in their village and also requested a tractor and trailer. The minister acknowledged the request and has committed to exploring the option of providing the equipment by mid next year.

Joining Minister Ally on her visit was Managing Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard Van West-Charles and his team. They inspected the well that was constructed recently and assured the residents that it is fully functional.