During a recent meeting with residents of Matthews Ridge and other surrounding communities in Region One, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker spoke of some critical infrastructural works, which will soon be undertaken in the area. The Minister told the residents that funds have been sourced for the much needed works on the road between Matthews Ridge and Baramita. According to Minister Whittaker, the Ministry of Public Works will undertake the works. However, if the Ministry manages to source additional funding some other sections of the road will be rehabilitated. Further the Minister pointed out that the Ministry of Public Works has commenced road works in other areas including Port Kaituma. In addition, the Minister said that while the Ministry will be carrying out the major rehabilitation works, he would be in discussion with the Interim Management Committee as it would be responsible for the maintenance work. In addition, the Minister said they will soon be engaging in talks with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) with the aim of bringing them on board as it relates to road rehabilitation works in the Region One community. Meanwhile speaking of works, which have already been undertaken in the region thus far, the Minister noted that only $85 M has been spent out of a total of $237 M, which was allocated towards capital programmes in the 2014 National budget. “Of course there are other works that are in progress, but they haven’t been paid for. I want to say to you that we at the ministry are not satisfied with the pace of implementation. If we approve money taken into consideration other things that they have to do...if we fail to spend and the money, has to go back its an indictment on us.” To this end, the Ministry called on the regional officers and citizens to play a greater role in the implementation of projects in the region. “They are projects that depend on favourable weather and I call on you to speed up the pace of implementation, but it must not be at the expense of quality. If a road is to be done and is not being done properly inform us and we will make inquiries.” The Minister however, noted that he was pleased with the progress of works being carried out under the $1.5 Billion Current programmes thus far in Region One. The Minister also noted his pleasure at some of the many other areas of development in the communities. Mention was made of the development in the education and health sectors. Touching on the Heritage Month 2014 celebration, the Minister told the residents that they should also keep in mind this month is being celebrated as education month and in their celebration much consideration should be given to this fact.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 20:45:24 +0000
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