LGE empowering the people
– Minister Sydney Allicock engages Region One residents
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, November 03, 2018
Residents within Matthews Ridge in the Matarkai Sub-District, Region One were reminded to exercise their constitutional right on November 12 and vote for individuals who are responsible, and are interested in developing their community.
This call was issued by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock during a walkabout at Minab, Heaven Hill, Pakera, and Garso Hill and Julian Street in the Waterfront area.
The minister underscored that residents needed to vote in order to have a voice in the decision-making process in their community.
“That is why the Coalition Government have put power in the hands of the people, so all of the issues you are have are addressed in a timely manner… We have reinstated local democracy through the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE). We have created four additional towns (Mabaruma, Mahdia, Lethem and Bartica). Therefore, you must select persons who are visionaries, people who will represent you and create projects that will benefit the people and transform this area.”
During Minister Allicock’s engagement, several issues were raised regarding access to water, electricity and the state of the internal roads within the area.
Businessman Campbell (only name given) explained that the generator that supplies the community with electricity has been non-functional for a week. With no technical personnel on the ground to properly manage the system, he recommended that a backup system be put in place to service the area.
Minister Allicock explained that the generator system is managed by the Kaituma Power and Light, who has been working to replace the damaged part on the generator. He pledged to make representation on behalf of the people to have a replacement for the generator.
He further noted that the government has embarked on a Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) and will be executing several projects including hydropower and solar farms. With the proper representation, Minster Allicock noted, Matthew’s Ridge can benefit from a solar farm that will supply the area with electricity.
In the Minab, where there is the need for a water system and roads, the minister explained that Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is currently working on identifying a water source that can provide drinking water to the 20 households located in the area. He promised to engage the Ministries of Communities and Infrastructure to determine what emergency works can be done to the access road.
The residents were also encouraged to return to farming, in order to produce enough to feed themselves and have sufficient produce to sell to miners in the areas, as a way of ensuring continued development of their communities. The minister assured that his office can support in that area.
Minister Allicock and team also visited the communities of Eclipse Falls, Four Miles, Canal Bank, Citrus Grove, Oronoque and Port Kaituma.
Synieka Thorne
Image by Kennyann Bacchus