Kwakwani workers’ club renovation plans finalised

[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO-TtG8XVa0″ width=”100%” height=”315″]


─ Min. Trotman meets with residents

project will cost about $10M

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, March 9, 2019

Renovation to the workers’ club at Kwakwani, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10) should commence soon. This is in keeping with a promise made to the community by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

Early Saturday morning, the minister and his team met with residents to discuss the way forward on the project.

“Years ago, I was asked, and did give an undertaking, I would say a promise that I would help the community to refurbish the Workers Club… it’s a building that is old but it is near and dear to them and I’m keeping that commitment,” noted Minister Trotman

He said the project will cost in excess of $10M.

“I have been asking around, seeing if we could get people to volunteer wood and even some of their own skills” added Minister Trotman.

The Minister of Natural Resources had visited the Region 10 community in September last year to inspect the club, during which he met with managing staff of the facility and was given a tour. It was agreed then, that works to be done would include the changing of the floorboards, fixture to the roof, windows, doors, pavilion, male and female

Today, as he spoke with residents about the concept and new design, Minister Trotman assured them that only labour from within the community will be used for the project, ensuring that community benefits in every way.

It is important that whatever work takes place residents of Kwakwani get a chance to be a part of the project and we don’t see people come from outside bringing skills and labour into the community,” he said.

Minister Trotman shared that since a concept and designs have been finalised he felt it was fitting to meet with the community.

“I may have my own thoughts and ideas but it is more important that I do what they want… I’m happy that we were able to make a presentation to them of the designs and they put together a committee that would oversee the work,” he stated.

In the meantime, residents who spoke with the Department of Public Information (DPI), expressed their gratitude to the minister, as the refurbished and user-friendly facility will be able to cater for various community activities.

On his trip to the region, Minister Trotman also met with RUSAL workers who continue to take strike action. His next stop was at Ituni, where he also met with residents and the Ituni Small Loggers Association. (More details to follow in subsequent reports).

Felecia Valenzuela.

Image: Anil Seelall.

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