Government to spend nearly $1.5 billion to repair Region 3 roads

-President Ali tells residents to work on improving drainage and irrigation, restoring recreational space

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that government has earmarked billions of dollars for the rehabilitation of roads in communities along the West Coast Demerara (WCD) corridor, while assuring residents that attention will be paid to drainage and irrigation infrastructure as well as recreational facilities in Region Three.

The head of state disclosed these revelations on Sunday during an encounter with residents of La Parfaite Harmonie and Dem Amstel.

“Just three areas, Windsor, Underneath and Westminster, have 75 per cent of their roads in use and that’s over $1 billion of investment… close to $1.5 billion. So that’s a lot of resources that go into building those roads… those are side roads,” he said.

Despite the rainy weather, President Ali visited various communities to meet and listen to the residents. He explained that the Government is currently working with regional democratic institutions to begin mobilizing a number of infrastructure projects.

The goal is to hire small contractors to complete repairs to community roads and streets in a timely manner.

“We want to hire a smaller contractor so we can get the job done quickly and then build the concrete road,” he said.

Besides, several contracts have been awarded to rehabilitate the main thoroughfares of some villages in the area.

The President further pledged to improve drainage and irrigation in these communities.

In both La Parfaite Harmonie and Dem Amstel, residents stressed the need for improved drainage maintenance, street lighting and the revitalization of community spaces.

In response, the President said the government would continue to work closely with citizens and their respective regional institutions to improve lives and further community development.

“A lot of the communities we’re going to right now, the young people are very into agriculture. You know all the progress and development that’s going on in the region and around the country. Your children are the beneficiaries, your seniors are the beneficiaries,” he said.

WATER ISSUES

In addition to massive road projects, the government is also working to improve access to safe drinking water in these communities.

While residents expressed concern over low water pressure in the area, the President asked them to be patient as steps were being taken to improve the problem.

The government has invested $1.18 billion to build a new water treatment plant in Oudnimin, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.

One of the main issues that the new plant aims to address is the high iron content in the water, which has been a problem for residents’ health and daily lives.

Continued progress in water infrastructure underscores the Government of Guyana’s commitment to ensuring that basic services reach every corner of the country, promoting health, economic growth and community resilience.

Officials of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) told residents on Sunday that the new plant is 65 per cent complete.

In addition, power transmission lines are being constructed to ensure efficient water supply. These works are 90% complete.

The entire project is expected to be completed in December.

President Ali was accompanied on the visit by the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Echihil, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonya Parag, and several technical officials.