-well to be dug in the area
Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira and Hinterland Affairs Coordinator Harripersaud Nokta told Ituni residents that plans are in train to dig a well in the area after they voiced concerns about water and sanitation facilities during an outreach exercise hosted on Saturday.

Residents were also concerned about the future of the logging industry, proper water and sanitation facilities and the non-functional Community Development Council groups. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, while making house visits, residents said that they depend on woodworking for a living and so far there is no factory in the area to further the trade. A resident noted too that woodworkers would often have to transport their products to Georgetown for sale which oftentimes leads to late payments by sawmillers. He then asked that a factory be established in the area to produce value-added pieces.

The issue of water and the upgrading of the Ituni Primary School were also discussed. Residents also asked for a building to be constructed to house a nursery school for the area’s children as currently they are housed in the bottom flat of the primary school. They also called for a well to be dug in the area.

In response, Nokta said that Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali has pledged to dig a well in the area and this has already been catered for in the budget. He noted that the improvements in the supply of and access to safe water and sanitation are critically important in the administration’s plan to reduce poverty. Nokta assured residents that money has also been set aside to rehabilitate the school; and to purchase furniture.

According to GINA the team also visited the Cottage hospital, health centre, postal agency and police station. Teixeira told residents that government will continue to work to develop the area and to ensure that residents are given opportunities to develop themselves.