$5M emergency upgrade for Rukumuta to Yurong Paru road
– current state of the road poses difficulty for residents to traverse
– road when fixed, will reduce transporation time to get to Karasabai by one hour
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Some 24 miles of road from Rukumuta to Yurong Paru, South Pakaraima, Region 9 will be upgraded to the tune of $5M. This assurance was given by Regional Executive Officer (REO), Cark Parker during a community meeting Friday last, when the residents requested urgent repairs to the trail.
During the meeting at the community benab, Toshao Shevnarine Cyprian said that the state of the road poses difficulty for the residents to traverse by transportation and foot. Currently, it takes approximately four hours to get to the sub-District, Karassabai and the costs of goods and services have increased significantly.
Toshao Cyprian explained that once the road is fixed, it will reduce the time to get to Karasabai by one hour, and costs for goods and services reduced to affordable levels. He said that once the finances are made available, the residents will be willing to engage in self-help, so that the monies can be circulated within the area.
Parker also suggested that a portion of the works be given to the residents of nearby village Rukumuta. “…So, the monies can be shared between the two villages. You have to decide how you want it to be done. Get your tractor to carry boulders into all the big holes. You can do twelve miles and the others can do the other 12 miles and can get the work done in a timely manner.”
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock reminded the Village Council of their duty to ensure these issues are brought to the attention of the ministry through their Community Development Officer (CDO) and District Development Officer (DDO).
“These things should have been included in this year’s budget. This road did not get like this today, the Toshao has to make recommendations through the CDO who can make a request on your behalf to the ministry, but you have a good start through the region, and this will bring some relief to you.”
Minister Allicock also urged the council to draft a letter, send it to the ministry which will then forward it to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure which has responsibility for the road.
In addition, the minister said that the government has a responsibility to ensure the people are comfortable and assured the residents that all efforts will be made to ensure that the road from Karasabai to Yurong Paru is done.
This year, funds were allocated in the National Budget to rehabilitate roads and bridges in several communities including Warapoka, $1M, Kangaruma, $4M, Kwatamang, $1M to upgrade bridges; and for upgrade of trails, St. Deny’s/Tapakuma, $3M and Surama, $3M.
By: Synieka Thorne.
Images: Anil Seelall.