Port Kaituma’s excavator refurbished – to boost infrastructure in the region

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DPI, GUYANA, Monday, January 29, 2018

Infrastructural works in Port Kaituma, Region One will be improved with the return of its repaired excavator.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson today handed over the refurbished mini-excavator, which has been out of commission for approximately three years, to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

More than $5M was spent to change the excavator’s tracks, repairs its hydraulic system and install a new air conditioner system. Minister Ferguson urged the NDC to care and carry out routine maintenance on the excavator, which will be used for drainage and minor rehabilitative works.

“I’m delighted to hear that it would not only be used for road works but drainage works also, which is another concern of the residents in Port Kaituma. Certain areas are experiencing flooding due to the lack of proper drainage maintenance. The person who will be monitoring this excavator, you have to hold that person responsible for its durability,” Minister Ferguson underscored.

The Public Infrastructure Minister also used the opportunity to highlight other major infrastructural works slated for the region in 2018. These include rehabilitation of the Moruca Bridge and road works in Port Kaituma/ Matthews’s Ridge area.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe expressed gratitude for this initiative and also urged the NDC to maintain the machinery.

Minister Garrido-Lowe reiterated that the mini-excavator will be used for road works which she believes is critically needed in the region, particularly in the Matthews Ridge area. The Minister emphasised that this intervention “is not politics, we the leaders must work together to ensure that citizens are comfortable, we have done a lot and the people know that, and we have lots more in store”.

Meanwhile, the Region’s Chairman, Bretnol Ashley said this intervention is a sign of co-operation and partnership between central government and the NDC. Ashley pointed out that the digger will significantly boost infrastructural needs for those residents in the Matarkai Sub District.

“This excavator will assist the NDC in conducting minor works that could not have been done due to lack of this equipment. I trust that they will maintain it so that it can last,” Ashley added.

Region One, NDC Chairwoman, Margaret Lambert echoed similar sentiments noting that the machinery will alleviate the road issues, thereby benefitting residents and numerous children in the affected areas.

In the 2018 National Budget, the sum of $1.5B was allocated for road rehabilitation in the hinterland regions. From that amount, $35M will be used for road works in Region One.

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur

 

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