Dear Editor,
The Kumaka waterfront which is situated on the left bank of the Aruka River in Region One has been deteriorating at a rapid rate for the past two-and-a-half years. The RDC has brought it to the knowledge of Minister of Local Government on many occasions. I know for a fact some high-ranking officials of the government had visited Port Kaituma and were asked to visit the site and make some recommendations, but this did not materialize.
I want to believe that by December of this year the area will be impassable to all vehicles and this will make it difficult for anyone to obtain their cargo from the MV Kimbia. Three-quarters of the bus park has already gone into the Aruka River. A few businesses have already relocated and some more will remove soon. (See photo below)
I have noticed from the paper that seventy-five million is slated for Region One to improve the hinterland. They went on to say that Mabaruma had been chosen because of its reputation as an organic area. Kumaka was not mentioned. A further sum of $202M was included, but again Kumaka was left out. They claim that these monies are only for Amerindian communities. Kumaka is the shopping centre for Amerindians who also have businesses there.
Yours faithfully,
Michael Hope