Fort Island, Lower Bonasika to expect massive development
— $40M upgrade for Fort Island Stelling
— nursery school for Rivers View, Lower Bonasika
— LED lights for both Fort Island and Lower Bonasika
— walkway for Lower Bonasika
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, November 17, 2019
At a community engagement on November 17, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson interacted with residents from both Fort Island and Rivers View, Lower Bonasika. Many took the opportunity to commend the minister for work already done in their community, and to request additional services from their government.
“Minister, our government built a proper rip-rap structure that is protecting our land from high tide. We have a proper concrete walkway. Our canals and drains were dug. Sports gears and farming tools were given to us. We are happy with what our government has done for us, and we look forward to more development as the years go by from His Excellency, President David Granger and his team,” remarked Toshao Stafford Williams, who spoke on behalf of his community, Rivers View, Lower Bonasika.
He also took the opportunity to request an additional stretch of walkway, and more drainage work for the area. In response, Minister Patterson offered to provide the materials for the construction of the walkway. He also committed to working with the regional administration in addressing the digging of more drains.
Representing Fort Island was Community Health Worker, Pretty Debedin, who noted that the island was neglected for years, but since the APNU+AFC Coalition Government assumed office, things improved.
“In 2016, our drains were dug and cleaned, something that never happened for years. The Teachers’ Quarter is brand new, and sea defence work was done. In terms of health, we now have a properly stocked health centre with medication, and we provide service to many other islands from our health centre,” Debedin remarked.
She also outlined the need for a better stelling since the island is a tourist destination and more lights leading to the tourist sites.
In response, Minister Patterson expressed his gratitude to the residents for recognising the government’s efforts to better the lives of citizens.
“It is good to know that people are recognising government’s work, and better is it that they are publicly acknowledging it. Let me tell you right away that I have some solar lights for both Lower Bonasika and Fort Island. These lights will be installed before Christmas. Let me also tell all present that we have budgeted $40M for the upgrade of the stelling, so next year, a better stelling is guaranteed. As it relates to the walkway, we will examine the possibility of providing the materials and the community members will build it. And, I am also guided that the regional administration is exploring the possibility of having a nursery school for Rivers View, Lower Bonasika. So, real development is coming, and it is in the not too distant future. Stay with us as we stay with you,” said Minister Patterson.
Loud rounds of applause from the residents greeted his announcements of the developmental projects for Fort Island and Lower Bonasika.
The minister’s meeting was part of a wider ministerial outreach taken by the Coalition Government to engage with residents in their communities, with the aim of better serving their needs.