Opposition Member of Parliament Dawn Hastings last week called on the government to extend projects started by the former coalition government so as to benefit the people of the hinterland communities.
Hastings during her contribution to the budget said that as a responsible government which claims to be for the people, the PPP/C should take a page from the former coalition government when establishing and performing duties that affect the peoples living in the hinterland communities.
Starting off by addressing the reversal of VAT on electricity and water, Hastings suggested that the pensioners living in hinterland communities be given something additional to their pension since the tax reversal may not benefit these persons. She explained that for many living in those communities, water supply is taken from the rivers and springs nearby.
The APNU+AFC MP then said that projects which will benefit from low-income loans need to have alternatives for those living in hinterland communities as well. She referenced the sustainable hinterland housing project and implored the new government to further extend this project.
She said that the APNU+AFC coalition had made “humongous” efforts in providing communities with potable water, thus benefiting the persons living there. This she said is expected to be further improved by this government. Hastings said that many other projects were done which benefit the hinterland communities and improved the capacity of the people at the community and regional level and that nothing less will be demanded from the current government.
Additional vulnerable areas being closely monitored include, Cullen and Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast; Cane Garden, Cane Field, Elizabeth Ann, Waterloo, Maryville, Retrieve and Blenheim on the island of Leguan; Zeelandia, Maria Pleasure, Belle Plaine, Sans Souci, and Moorfarm on the island of Wake-naam; Parika, Den Amstel, Anna Catherina, Hague, and Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara; New Hope, Good Success, Friendship and Garden of Eden on the East Bank of Demerara; Helena along the Mahaica River; and New Amsterdam, Sheet Anchor, Wellington Park and No.54 to No. 61 Vill-age, Corentyne, Region 6.
The Sea and River Defence, Force Account Units have been working to heighten vulnerable sections of earthen embankment and reinforce stretches of revetment and sea walls to minimise the extent of overtopping. Where considered necessary, contractors have been engaged to reinforce and heighten revetments and desilt drainage canals that function to contain overtopping discharge, as well as community drains. Major rehabilitation and reconstruction interventions have been programmed to strengthen the flood protection infrastructure in all impacted areas.
