Health post for St. Ignatius- $2B approved for Region Nine  

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Over 2000 residents from St. Ignatius, Region Nine, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo will soon have easier access to health services as a new health post is slated to be constructed in the community.

From the approved $2.7Billion for the region, the sum of $59Million was granted by the Committee of Supply on Wednesday evening, for the construction of the health post at St. Ignatius along with a pharmacy bond and living quarters at Lethem. The money also carters for the extension of the Lethem Regional Hospital and maternity ward at the Annai Health Centre.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan explained to the Committee of Supply that the region’s health sector can expect a major boost. He pointed out that $34Million was provided for the purchase of microscopes, a phlebotomy chair, electrocardiograms, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, otoscopes, spinal boards, stretchers, nebulisers, portable oxygen concentrators, refrigerators, patient screens, foetal dopplers, beds, dining sets and stoves.”

Additional funds were approved to further develop the region’s agriculture, infrastructure, health and educations sectors.

Under the education sector, several schools will be constructed and upgraded. These include the completion of a Primary School at Paipang and living quarters at Sand Creek, construction of Secondary School at Aishalton and living quarters at Annai and construction of sanitary blocks at the Nursery and Primary schools at Kumu, Katoonarib, Shiriri, Sowariwau, Apoteri, Maruanau, Awarewaunau and Yakarinta at a cost of $117Million.

An additional $15Million was also provided for school furniture and equipment including equipment for Smart classrooms, musical and sports equipment.

For agricultural projects in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, the sum of $26Million was approved for the provision of a spray race system at Kurupukari Crossing and 150 black giant poultry birds at Rupertee, Crash Water and Rewa villages. Funds set aside for the construction of bridges at Moco Moco.

Meanwhile, under the region’s infrastructure sector $53Million was awarded for the upgrading of roads at Achiwuib/Bashaidrun, Yakarinta and Maruranau to Shea; construction of culverts at Makodo Creek, Parishara, Kaicumbay and Kabanawau/Aishalton. Other infrastructural projects include the upgrading of the electrical system at Annai Secondary School Complex and the installation of a trestle, solar pumps and accessories at Aishalton, Shea, Maurinawau, Bashaidrun, Achiwuib and Potarinau at a cost of $11Million and $35Million respectively.

Ranetta La Fleur.

Image: Jameel Mohamed.