A team of Local Government Ministry officials presented two All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to two Region Nine communities and outlined plans for further development, during a recent four-day outreach.
The two ATVs were then handed over to Karasabai Toshao Elvis Edwards and Achawib Toshao Reginald Wilson, respectively, to aid in transporting produce in their villages.
In his address at Sand Creek, Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall said government has undertaken several projects across the regions that have raised the standard of living for villagers. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the permanent secretary also told residents that they should expect more advancements soon from projects financed through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) initiative.
He said plans are in train to provide electricity to a total of 11,000 households through home solar systems under the Hinterland Electrification Programme, implemented through the Office of the Prime Minister. Dharamlall recalled that from 2002 to 2010 1,750 hinterland homes were illuminated through the use of solar technology under the same programme.
Meanwhile, Region Nine Regional Executive Officer Ronald Harsawack lauded the improvement of the road network as a boon for villagers, and especially farmers who have always encountered problems accessing nearby areas with their produce. Harsawack said the existing network will soon be enhanced as works are moving apace to upgrade the main access road to Lethem and Aishalton. He noted too that for the year government had allocated $990M for major road works, excluding the “$80M odd that will be injected by the Region.” The REO also noted that several culverts were built and rehabilitated in order to prevent flooding.
Harsawack also announced that a doctor will be stationed at the Sand Creek health post shortly. He then noted that there are currently three veterinary and four extension officers working in the community to assist cattle, rice and cash crop farmers in proper husbandry practices. In addition, farmers will soon benefit from the distribution of livestock under the Ministry of Agriculture’s Breed Enhancement programme, which is expected to complement government’s food security policy.
According to GINA, Shulinab Toshao Vibert Ignace lauded the school uniform and school feeding programmes saying that it has had a great impact on school attendance. Government has budgeted $300M for the programmes to be implemented this year and over 100 primary schools in regions One, Eight and Nine have benefited. Ignace made a special appeal for the programmes to continue.
