Wakapoa schoolchildren to travel free

─ Outboard engine handed over to Toshao

DPI, Guyana, Monday, January 21, 2019

Wakapoa, an Indigenous community in Region Two has received an outboard engine from Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran to assist in the transportation of schoolchildren and medical officials.

The community in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region is located some 35 miles from Charity and the only means of transport is by boat. Toshao of the community, Howard Cornelius, in representing the 3000 plus residents, had met with Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran and among his requests was the need for an outboard engine since the old one was out of order and unserviceable.

Jaikaran, noting the urgency, presented a brand new 40 HP Yamaha outboard engine to the Toshao and his team. “Transportation must be made available to our people and it must be easily made available. This engine is given to the community and it is my expectation that the community will care this important piece of equipment. I am advising Toshao Cornelius to transport all schoolchildren and the elderly free of cost. I will explore the option of providing some more assistance with fuel and rehabilitation to the boat,” remarked Jaikaran.

Cornelius noted: “I honestly didn’t expect this quick response but I am most thankful and I will ensure that indeed our school children and elderly are transported free of cost. The engine will also ensure the medical team gets to visit the patients at their home who cannot make it to the health post. I express gratitude on behalf of the entire community to the Government of Guyana.”

The residents of Wakapoa will also soon benefit from an improved health facility with a solar system for a new refrigerator, electric lights and freezer. There will also be the construction of a timber bridge at Curemeru, Wakapoa which will help students when crossing the heavy swamp lands to access their school. This project will be executed at the cost of $8M.

Story and Image: Ganesh Mahipaul.