Addressing miners at an outreach in Port Kaituma, Region One on Wednes-day, Minister of Natural Resources and the Envi-ronment Robert Persaud said he shares some of their worry and concerns of the residents with regards to the roads in the community, having seen first hand their condition.
The Government Infor-mation Agency said he pointed out to the regional and local government officials that visiting Port Kaituma after one year; he witnessed the same issues, whether they were related to roads, sanitation and quality of services provided.
Numerous reports have been carried in Stabroek News recently about these problems.
“There is need for us to be much more proactive. I know recently a new IMC (Interim Management Council) has been put in place and there are other interventions that will have to be made if we are going to bring some sort of improvement,” Persaud stated.
GINA said that he added that although such issues fall under the Ministry of Local Government and
Regional Development, the Natural Resources Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) felt the need to support such aspects of development because “you are miners and this is a mining community and we believe it is imperative that we support.”
In recent years, Port Kaituma has seen increased business activity because of mining.
The Minister said previously the Ministry had committed resources for road improvement and assigned contracts, but the contractor later declined interest. The Ministries of Local Government and Public Works have started some efforts in determining what needs to be done. Minister Persaud said the resources provided will continue to be available.
According to GINA, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GGMC, Clinton Williams said he found it strange that the issue of poor roads still exists in Port Kaituma although billions of dollars were allocated to fix roads, and for better electricity and water supply.
“Something seems to be wrong and we need to get that fixed. We have to ensure we get value for our money,” Williams said.
He further said that he finds it depressing that the same issues raised at Mahdia, Region Eight recently were being raised at Port Kaituma and reiterated that it is important that GGMC ensures the mining industry continues to grow.
