Following the award of $130 million in contracts for rehabilitation works in several communities including High Dam, Caracas, West Canje, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon recently visited a number of East Berbice projects.
A release from the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday said that Harmon visited to ensure that the community members are involved during the construction process.
At High Dam, Caracas, the release said that residents voiced relief that the road in that area would finally be paved. However, several of them raised other concerns that needed to be addressed in the area, including the need for a recreational centre for children, the installation of street lights, and the easing of flooding that occurs in the area.
Harmon promised to address flooding as a priority as it affects residents’ livelihoods. He said that at a later date, efforts will be made to look into the installation of street lights.
Regarding the paving of the High Dam Road, a 453-metre stretch into the community, the Minister said that after consulting with the contractor, once the weather clears, the project should just take a month to be finished
Harmon also visited Lancaster, Middle Walk Dam and Middle Walk Dam, Liverpool to examine the work to be done. At those locations, the release said that some residents were mainly concerned with obtaining jobs from the work that would soon begin on the roads. Harmon agreed that residents should have this opportunity.
“It is important that the community is involved in what is happening here. And you should also ensure that people from the community are employed. I want to make sure that whatever work is done there is reflective of community involvement. These contracts were aimed to give a bit [of a] jumpstart to the communities so I hope the contractors will pay attention to that,” the Minister said.
Chairman of the Lancaster/Hogstye Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Forbes Moore said the planned works are a great help to the community. He noted, however, that there were some other needs including the establishment of a farmers’ market, better drainage and irrigation and better garbage collection.
Following these visits, the release said that Harmon also visited the Independence Arch at Hogstye and met with more residents.
