Region One communities to receive boats and engines

The Barima-Waini Regional Democratic Council (RDC) will soon hand over three boats and engines to Kwebanna, Barima/Koriabo and the Matarkai sub-region to enhance transportation service there.

Kwebanna, Barima/Koriabo will each receive a 40-horsepower engine and boat, and Matarkai will receive a 75-horsepower engine and boat.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Mr. Tikaram Bisesar told DPI that the initiative fulfils promises made to residents, following a meeting where they highlighted their challenges accessing healthcare.

“This is how we make provision because first, we engage the community and it is upon the needs assessment and reports from the various communities, we craft our budget to make those provision,” he said.

Further, he said, the donation is in keeping with the Ministry of Health’s objective of ensuring riverine communities have access to health services similar to those on the coast.  The regional administration hopes to provide safety gear to ensure the safety of the residents who utilise the boats.

Additionally, Mr. Bisesar said the administration intends to erect screening sheds at various entry points in the region amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative, he explained, will not only help the region curb the spread of the disease, but also protect the residents.

“All of these are open tenders, but we will install screening sheds at Port Kaituma, which will be two sheds – one at the waterfront and the other at the Four Miles toll gate. We have also awarded one to Whitewater village in the Mabaruma sub-region,” the REO added.

To date, the Ministry has stationed trained COVID-19 personnel in the region to collaborate on the clinical aspects of treatment, conduct contact tracing and environmental sanitation to ensure the disease is being managed.