Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker says government has invested over $189M in Region One villages between 2010 and 2013 in keeping with its vision to enhance livelihoods there.
Whittaker made this disclosure at Matthews Ridge where during a three-day ministerial outreach to the Matarkai sub-district where he also engaged residents at Four Miles, Canal Bank, Citrus Grove, Oronoque, Arakaka, Sebai Village and Eclipse Falls.
According to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA), the minister said from 2010-2013 government invested $189.5M in 57 villages and communities via the Presidential Grant Programme, an initiative which aimed at establishing micro-enterprises to generate income. Eight villages in Region One benefited under the first phase of the Community Development Projects (CDPs): at Manawarin’s, a cassava farm; Kamwatta and Three Brothers, aquaculture; Waikarebi, logging; Barabina, poultry rearing; Hobodeia, ginger farming; Four Miles, apiculture; and Baramita, a village shop.
Capital investment
Capital investment included the provision of eco-tourism grants while numerous villages received boats, tractors, and pick-up trucks, including Baramita which recently received a pick-up truck. Roads are a major concern in the region, especially since mining is done at Matthews Ridge and Baramita. Over the years, large sums have been invested to maintain these key road linkages, particularly in these two villages.
The minister also said 23 households in White Water benefited from new homes while 27 others had their roofs rehabilitated under the Second Income Settlement Programme. Additional housing schemes have also been established at Oronoque, White Water and Manawarin. At the same time, Whittaker reminded residents that development is a process and “There is no government in this world that can satisfy all the needs of its people at the same time, and this is why you plan and have a budget. There are some things you do today and some things you have to do tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, at Port Kaituma, he pointed out that health posts have been erected in the sub-district whereas previously, stricken villagers were forced to travel to Mabaruma for medical care. Whittaker also noted that construction is currently ongoing on a modern hospital at Oronoque, Port Kaituma.
Each community also now has access to a nursery and primary school while a secondary school and dormitory has been built at Port Kaituma. Communities also benefit from transportation assistant to transport students to schools and for other emergencies.
