Minister Croal urges Region One RDC to ensure timely delivery of 2022 programmes

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, M.P has called on the Region One Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to ensure the timely delivery of the region’s 2022 programmes.

Minister Croal made the call during a meeting with the region’s programme heads on Tuesday, at the RDC boardroom, Mabaruma. Also in attendance were Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley and Regional Executive Officer (REO), Tikaram Bissessar and Deputy REO, Shem Cuffy.

With the recent passage of the national budget, the region is set to roll out its $4.4 billion budget under healthcare services, education delivery, infrastructure development and agriculture.

Minister Croal, who also has geographical responsibility for the region, encouraged officials to ensure contracts are awarded in a timely manner, and to have proper consultations with residents, particularly those in the riverine communities.

“Go to communities and engage the people and try to meet their needs. If something is not included in this year’s programme, we can find a way to include it next year. But we must ensure that the people who elected us benefit from all the services we offer,” he said.

The minister also spoke about decentralising health care across the region, and ensuring education is delivered in accordance with the education ministry’s guidelines and policies.

Agriculture development, he said, is a major focus of the government, noting that there must be an aggressive programme in this regard.  He said farmers must receive the necessary support, especially since they were affected by the 2021 May/June flood.

Minister Croal reiterated that the regional programmes must reflect the PPP/C Government’s vision of a ‘One Guyana,’ where every citizen benefits from the programmes and policies crafted and executed by the state.