Amid protests by Port Kaituma residents over treacherous roads, the Ministry of Communities yesterday announced that it will be dispatching a team to the area to discuss the situation and firm up a community development plan.
In a Ministry statement, it was noted that the visit would be a follow-up on a previous trip taken by officials to the area last week to meet with residents and gather their input on a Local Area Economic Plan (LAEP). The ministry said that the turnout at the first meeting was “dismal and far from encouraging.”
The team will comprise Ministerial Liaison Mark Crawford; Principal Regional Development Officer Surendra Khayyam; Project Manager Naeem Khan; Member of Parliament (MP) Richard Allen and officials from the region.
The statement also reported Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan as stating that the Ministry has been cognisant of the challenges facing several regions, particularly the hinterland. It, however, took a swipe at residents by saying that they should play a more proactive role in the development of their community “even beyond their involvement in civil demonstrations.” This was a clear reference to the protests held by Port Kaituma, North West residents this week.
Bulkan further noted that central government is committed within the parameters of its financial resources to address these challenges.
“We are prioritising the most critical areas. In my estimation, this road falls within that priority range and so within our budgetary allocation we are prepared to make an emergency intervention,” Bulkan said.
Additionally, Bulkan stated that the ministry, through collaboration and the necessary input of the regional and local authorities, will continue to engage residents.
The statement also alluded to a visit undertaken by Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, who met with residents of Citrus Grove, Port Kaituma on June 30 and after listening to their concerns highlighted the region’s plan for the community.
He explained that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) remains committed to a collaborative approach with all stakeholders and is hopeful that the road can be rehabilitated as early as possible.
“I told the residents that while the NDC might be responsible for getting it fixed, there must be a collaborative approach between government, RDC and residents. I also asked them to consider their options and examine what can be accomplished through self-help,” Ashley said, according to the statement from the Ministry of Communities.
Regional Executive Officer, Leslie Wilburg echoed similar sentiments. He said that the region is committed to having issues affecting residents resolved.
Further, it was pointed out that only last week, contracts were awarded for rehabilitation of two stretches of road from Port Kaituma to Matthew’s Ridge and to Baramita.
In the meantime, with support from the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) initiative, a technical team from the ministry has been working to develop a LAEP for Port Kaituma, Arakaka and Matthews Ridge.
The objective of SLED is to provide both financial and technical support that can contribute to economic expansion by specifically harnessing the resource potential of local communities.
In addition, the ministry will support efforts of the Regional Democratic Council in putting together a Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD) which speaks to strategic development for the entire region. According to the statement, the purpose of the plan is to support economic and social development and to boost the revenue generating capacity.
“During discussion with residents on the LAEP, several projects are expected to be considered including the enhancement of the road/transport infrastructural network, the promotion of value-added wood products, the stimulation of commercial and agricultural production and the development of renewable energy alternatives,” the statement read.
It further alluded to consideration being given for a proposal to position Port Kaituma as a national shipping port which can see the community benefitting from intensified industrial training.
“In the meantime, residents must appreciate that they must play a more proactive role in the development of their community even beyond their involvement in civil demonstrations. The ministry is dedicated to ensuring that residents are given ample opportunity to meet officials, have their grievances heard but more importantly contribute meaningfully to their community’s development,” the statement read.
On Wednesday, Stabroek News had reported on action taken by residents of Port Kaituma who protested in front of the Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) over the state of their roads, particularly that of the Main Access Road in the Matarkai Sub-District.
Residents told Stabroek News that the decision to protest came in light of the frustration felt by residents who are left to traverse a rapidly deteriorating road on a daily basis.
Orin Europe, a resident of Port Kaituma for the past seven years, told Stabroek News that the treacherous state of the road resulted in the jubilee celebrations in the area having to be cut short.
“We don’t just have potholes here anymore, we have gullies, that’s how bad things are here with these roads right now and nobody is doing anything about it,” Europe said.
Another resident spoke of the increased transportation fees that have been implemented by drivers who are left to cover expenses incurred due to the damage done to their vehicles as a result of the current condition of the road.
Last week, Cabinet announced that it had cleared a $30.8m contract to Vijay Persaud and Sons Contracting Services for the stretch of road from Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge. Also given the go-ahead was a $28m contract to V Dalip Enterprise for the Matthews Ridge to Baramita road. It is unclear when work will actually begin or how long it will take.
