As part of its efforts to improve accessibility, capacity and productivity in the various regions, the Ministry of Communities on Wednesday handed over six vehicles valued at approximately $64 million to Regions One, Seven and Nine.
The keys were handed over to the various Regional Executive Officers (REOs) by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Annette Ferguson, a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) stated.
Ferguson said the handing over of the vehicles indicates the government’s commitment to ensuring the regions have the required resources to execute their duties since the government recognises the challenges they face with accessibility in the hinterland. She urged the respective REOs to ensure that the vehicles are well maintained.
The REOs were all appreciative of receiving the Toyota Hilux vehicles and noted that it would assist in addressing the needs of their respective regions.
REO of Region Nine, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Carl Parker, who received four of the vehicles said that the trucks will assist in the areas of education, health and regional administration and finance, adding that they will also help to ensure that persons are paid on time.
“We always have challenges in paying salaries in the region and you would appreciate that is 23,000 square miles… we currently have two vehicles but they are shared. These vehicles will greatly improve the delivery and ensure that communities have access to the regional administration and its programmes,” Parker explained.
Region Seven’s REO, Kerwin Ward, said the vehicle will be instrumental in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni administration executing its work plan. “In education, the vehicles will assist us to properly monitor and evaluate our schools and health sector. It will ensure the drugs and medical supplies go to the last mile, to ensure our health centres have supplies,” he underscored.
REO Randolph Storm said the vehicle would save Region One, Barima-Waini, much-needed revenue which is expended on travelling around the region. “Our region is so big and the amount of money we have to spend to move from point A to point B is a lot. For example, Port Kaituma to Baramita is $500,000. So, this will not only give us the ability to move and get our work done but this will bring a lot of savings,” Storm disclosed.
According to the DPI, in October, Regions Nine and Seven will be receiving another two vehicles each.
