The government wants to enhance the productive capacity of Region 10, especially in the areas of agriculture and food production, President Irfaan Ali said.
According to release from the Office of the President, the remark was made while at a community outreach in Christianburg, Linden yesterday. He also stated that the region has a role to play in agriculture development which would be more clearly defined when government officials finish work on an “Agricultural Development Plan”.
In addition to its agricultural potential, Ali disclosed that the aim is also to ensure that Linden is the hub for mechanical services and engineering services, primarily due to its strategic location to Lethem. Also, a number of infrastructural works have also been earmarked, and these will be carried out through consultation with residents. He explained to those present that in the short term, the government will repair priority roads and footpaths, such as those that lead to public places. The work, he said, will be done by the residents of the region.
The release also disclosed plans to upgrade the highway and build a new bridge at Wismar. “This is an important part of the transformation. We can’t be building the road going on to Lethem, and then the crossing is a one-way crossing.”
It was also noted that the residents will benefit from a number of job-opportunities when the government embarks on the construction of 1,000 houses in the region. The Head of State said that the government is people-centred and will continue to travel to all communities within the country.
For too long, he noted, the political agendas have worked against development and have looked to divide rather than unite.
“We have a country and communities to build. What I can say to you is you can rely on us to be with you… We don’t profess only to love the people; we work to show we love you. We labour to show we love you, and that won’t change,” the president was quoted as saying.
Also included in the discussions with the residents was the announcement that the government would ensure that sporting facilities and playgrounds in schools in the region are repaired and renovated. The president said that the government is also examining a number of other sporting facilities that will be upgraded and the building of “a new stadium”.
Education in the region also got a boost with the announcement that an assessment will be done to determine where smart televisions can be set up in classrooms to enhance education delivery.
However, the president posited that there was more to development than just infrastructure, agriculture, and other major projects. He stressed that creating a mindset that is positive, families and communities that are strong, and communities and people that are respectful to each other are also equally important.
“When we understand that all of us must be a collective whole in presenting the solution to our problems, then is when we will achieve fullness of development and fulness of happiness.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall; National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia; were among the senior government officials at the meeting.
