Some 24 miles of road from Rukumutu to Yurongperu, South Pakaraimas in Region Nine, will be upgraded to the tune of $5 million.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) press release, this assurance was given by Regional Executive Officer (REO), Cark Parker during a community meeting Friday last, in response to the residents’ requests for urgent repairs to the trail.
During the meeting, Toshao Shevnarine Cyprian said that the state of the road makes transportation difficult for the residents. Currently, it takes approximately four hours to get to the sub-District, Karasabai and the costs of goods and services have increased significantly.
Cyprian explained that once the road is fixed, it will reduce the time to get to Karasabai by one hour, and costs for goods and services reduced to affordable levels. He stated that once the finances are made available, the residents will be willing to engage in self-help, so that the monies can be circulated within the area.
The REO in turn suggested that a portion of the works be given to the residents of nearby village Rukumutu. “…So, the monies can be shared between the two villages. You have to decide how you want it to be done. Get your tractor to carry boulders into all the big holes. You can do twelve miles and the others can do the other 12 miles and can get the work done in a timely manner,” Parker was quoted as saying.
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock reminded the Village Council of their duty to ensure that these issues are brought to the attention of the ministry through their Community Development Officer (CDO) and District Development Officer (DDO).
“These things should have been included in this year’s budget. This road did not get like this today, the Toshao has to make recommendations through the CDO who can make a request on your behalf to the ministry, but you have a good start through the region, and this will bring some relief to you,” the minister stated.
Minister Allicock also urged the council to draft a letter and send it to the ministry which will then forward it to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure which has responsibility for the road.
He added that the government has a responsibility to ensure the people are comfortable and assured the residents that all efforts will be made to ensure that the road from Karasabai to Yurongperu is done.
