Govt recommits to empowered, sustainable communities – as Bartica receives key to four housing schemes

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DPI, GUYANA, Friday, April 13, 2018

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan has again recommitted to the government’s rigorous pursuit of ensuring the empowerment and sustainability of local communities; an initiative he said which is a strategic vision of the administration.

Minister Bulkan made the remarks earlier today when he facilitated the handing over of four housing schemes from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to the Municipal Council of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

The housing schemes; Four Miles, Block 1 Parcels 93-155, Mongreppo Creek and the West Indian Association were officially transferred to the management of the Mayor and Town Council headed by Mayor Gifford Marshall.

According to Minister Bulkan, the transferring of the housing scheme is in sync with the administration’s vision of not only satisfying the housing needs of the citizens but ensuring that the areas are effectively managed and developed.

“Today is just the beginning of the exercise of transferring to the Local Democratic Organ housing areas developed by the CH&PA, there are many housing areas that will be transferred to LDOs (Local Democratic Councils) where they are located,” Minister Bulkan said.

The Minister said the government is not “visionless”, as it knows where it is going and is making tremendous strides, particularly, in the housing sector.

He explained that the housing schemes have seen upgrades since 2015 and that works will continue in this regard.

Minister Bulkan said the transfer of management is happening at a time when the town of Bartica is rapidly developing under the Mayorship of Gifford Marshall. Some of the other developments include the recent commissioning of the boardwalk; the first of its kind in Guyana, the upgrading of the Byderabo from an open dumpsite, the construction of the green park in the West Indian housing scheme and the rehabilitation of the market road among other things.

Mayor Gifford Marshall said he wished nothing more than the town to embrace “green initiatives” moving forward.

“We need to do our part. In all the areas, we should have a race, we should be motivated and inspired to beautify those areas. He said while the town has been exceptional in its management of solid waste, residents can do small things to push the process forward.

The Council is also pushing for open spaces in all constituencies, as “the environment is a reflection of the way we think.”

He said the handing over the communities is simply allowing residents to take control of their living spaces. He challenged all constituency representatives to do their best to take their communities forward.

Chairman of the CH&PA Reverend Elsworth Williams said the Authority was giving back to the communities that which belonged to them. He also lauded the combined leadership of the Mayor and Town Council and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

“The world is watching. At this moment and junction, you are the focus of Guyana,” he told the gathering at the handing over ceremony.

He said a revolution has started in that part of Guyana, that every Guyanese can embrace.

 

By: Alexis Rodney