Dear Editor,
Linden experienced a transformative day last Friday as over 600 house lots were allocated to residents, and local contractors were pre-qualified for contracts collectively valued at more than $7 billion dollars for the construction and upgrading of some 165 roads across the town and region. These investments are a testament to the ongoing advocacy I’ve been making as the Regional Member of Parliament, for economic development of the municipality of Linden and empowerment of its residents, and represent a significant step forward in responsiveness by the government in ensuring equitable development comes to Region Ten.
As a responsible elected official representing my constituency, I visited both locations where the Minis-tries of Housing and Public Works held events last Friday, engaging with hundreds of Lindeners who were present. My primary purpose there was to advocate on behalf of the people who had reached out to me regarding their concerns, particularly about housing and land allocation. At the housing event, I ensured that every concern raised by residents about house lots was brought to the attention of Minister Susan Rodrigues. I am pleased to report that she personally addressed each issue I presented, both in previous discussions and on the ground during the event.
With respect to regularization of squatting communities, which I spoke to President Ali about directly, highlighting the need for regularizing several squatting communities so residents could gain ownership of lands they have occupied for years, his words of commitment to getting it done was made to me. In reiterating this view, the Minister confirmed that this process is already underway with specific instructions from the President to getting it done.
\Further, in seizing to maximize the time in exploring new opportunities, having recognized the growing demand for housing and house lots in Linden, I proposed the development of a new site offering over 400 acres of land for house lots. This proposal, initially discussed with former Deputy Mayor and Councilor Waynewright Bethune, was well received. The Minister immediately requested we take her and team to do a site visit of the location. Upon observation of the proposed area, Minister Rodrigues requested of her surveyor in the coming week to come back and assess the viability of the site for housing. I was persuaded, that once finalized, this initiative will provide more Lindeners with the opportunity to own a houselot and eventually their own homes in a timely manner. I commend the Minister for her responsiveness.
At the Ministry of Public Works event at Watooka Club, Minister Juan Edgehill spoke of what the government is doing and the local leaders should not make representation for what is already being done by the government. This was specifically meant for me who several weeks ago made the call on government to make similar infrastructure investment in Linden and Region Ten, as is being done in other regions, for the people and the economy of my constituency to benefit equally. It would be remiss of me not to remind the Minister that since becoming Member of Parliament, I have always been consistent and relentless in advocating and making representation for the people of my township and region to benefit from every opportunity the government of the day is providing.
Since Minster Edg hill was in Linden engaging existing and potential local contractors for the upcoming $7 billion road construction roll out, I was able to engaged with numerous Lindeners present at the event, providing guidance on the processes required to become eligible for contract bidding. This is part of my broader effort to empower local people/ contractors to ensure that regional projects can be executed by those within the community.
I do not take credit, nor will I venture to do so for what the government is doing. I am simply happy it is being done for our people and I acknowledge and underscore the significant impact this $7 billion injection into the local economy will have among residents. This will undoubtedly provide a major socio-economic boost for Lindeners and others across the region and their respective communities, creating jobs and fostering collective regional development.
This welcomed development underscores my unwavering commitment to ensuring that Lindeners receive their fair share of resources and opportunities. While I am pleased with the construction and upgrading of the aforementioned roads, I look forward to seeing broader and more sustained infrastructure investments such as the creation of industrial estates and port facilities that can catalyze the economic growth of our town and region.
Further, in this regard, I take this opportunity once more to call on the Minister with responsibilities for youth sports and culture, whose focus is apparently is on ‘grounds enhancement’, but who seems to be under the ground when it comes to the completion of the long-awaited Linden synthetic tract at Bayrock that was under construction since 2018, which seems to be the longest never ending project. His ministry has gotten more than enough monies in annual budgetary allocations since 2020, for both the synthetic track and the MSC multipurpose stadium to reach completion, however, both facilities continue to lag behind. Lindeners and especially our athletes are eagerly awaiting access to these facilities to optimize their full potential.
I will continue to advocate for sustainable development, equitable land distribution, and the empowerment of our local contractors and people to ensure the prosperity of Linden and the residents of Region Ten becomes part of our ‘One Guyana’ and experience the realities of the fastest growing economy in a more personal and tangible way. Linden/ Region Ten, the heart of Guyana must begin to beat faster on the path to growth and development. I will never weary in making representation and advocating for this for our people.
Sincerely
Hon. Jermaine Figueira.MP