Fourteen burial grounds in Region Two, including La Belle Alliance where the historic Damon’s Cross is erected, were recently cleared of overgrown vegetation under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) being implemented by the Housing and Water Ministry.
Residents in 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and targeted townships are expected to benefit from the CIIP which enhance community aesthetics and will create employment for over 1,200 persons, a report from the ministry said.
The programme of activities include weeding parapets, clearing residential drains, cemeteries and crematorium grounds. Work started in all NDCs and the Anna Regina township on September 1. Burial grounds that have not been cleared for decades are now accessible, including the La Belle Alliance ground which had not been cleaned in about four decades.
“The 17 labourers who worked to clear this ground were challenged by stubborn overgrown vegetation, Africanized bee hives and dangerous snakes that converted the soppy areas into their homes,” the press release said. According to Basil Persaud, Regional Community Enhancement Officer, clearing of the 3,920ftX200ft burial ground is 50 per cent complete; work came to an abrupt halt after workers encountered Africanised bees. The ministry is making arrangements for an apiculturist to remove them, he said.
Work has also been done at the Charity, Better Hope, Andrews, Elisa, Three Friends Walton Hall, Cotton Field, Queenstown, Habadeen/ Zorg-en-Light, and Golden Fleece burial grounds. The Habadeen/Zorg-en-Light Burial Ground has been completed and is now accessible. The 40 labourers who worked on the ground took exceptional care to ensure that “every stump and weed was removed” the ministry said.
Fifty-two workers cleared the Three Friends Walton Burial Ground in three days. This site is approximately 150 sq ft and had not been cleared in decades. Similarly, works done at the Elisa Burial Ground has greatly enhanced the site.
CIIP Project Coordinator, Karen Roopchand, said the clearing exercises must continue as the vegetation will grow back. Several other initiatives are planned under the project which will contribute towards cleaner, healthier and safer communities’ countrywide, she said.
