The Government of Guyana has stated its intention to upgrade the road network and infrastructure from Monkey Mountain in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) to Karasabai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), as well as the interlinks and bridges connecting villages like Tuseneng, Bamboo Creek, Bashville/Yawong, Paramakatoi, Kato, Kurukubaru, Kamana, and Kopinang in Region Eight.
This was announced by the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, after embarking on an assessment and consultation with village councils over the last three days, accompanied by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, and several engineers, a Department of Public Information (DPI) stated on Wednesday.
Although villages are awarded small community participation contracts to maintain the roads, Edghill acknowledged that the government needed to do more.
“So, the first thing that we want to do is to improve the corridor from Karasabai to Monkey Mountain, which would mean we would have a better road link between Region Nine and Region Eight. Just putting in that road significantly improves your standard of living and reduces the cost of living,” the minister posited during an engagement with Indigenous leaders.
In addition to involving the villagers in the improvement efforts, residents will be empowered to do the necessary work, thereby creating employment prospects.
Edghill noted that discussions will be facilitated with other ministries to allow locals to receive training to operate heavy-duty equipment, allowing them to undertake works that do not require manual labour. Residents were also assured that they would continue to benefit from maintenance contracts in addition to the new projects planned for the region.
Discussions on this major improvement programme will be advanced at the upcoming National Toshaos Conference 2024 slated for August 19 to 23, where over 200 leaders will convene for a one-week engagement with the President and his cabinet ministers.
The release noted that with good road connectivity, development and economic activities can be stimulated, resulting in increased opportunities, improved health and well-being, and a significant reduction in the cost of living in these villages.
During the assessment, the ministers also heard some of the concerns and issues affecting residents in areas of health, education and agriculture, which they pledged to address with the relevant ministries, the release added.
