– as the IDB approves $ 890M infrastructure projects for the community
Roads, pavements, streetlights and drainage networks are ENHANCED in line with La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank of Demerara (WBD), as the Inter-American Development (IDB) has given its opposition to the Government of Guyana to proceed with projects. valued at $ 890 million.
This was revealed by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during one of several house raids on Wednesday, in villages along the West Coast and West Bank Demerara corridors.
According to Minister Croal, apart from the common infrastructure works, a multi-purpose facility will also be built at La Parfaite Harmonie. All community related projects will be completed under the Adequate Urban Housing and Accessibility Program.
In a breakdown of expectations, the minister said that 8.8 kilometers of road will be upgraded with asphalt, and pavements will be built along the road for pedestrians.
In addition, 25 La Parfaite Harmonie families will benefit from core home help and 118 will receive home improvement subsidies.
Meanwhile, Minister of Croal told the residents of La Parfaite Harmonie that the ministry was aware of the difficulties that people face, in terms of the deplorable state of internal roads in other neighboring communities, and representation was made.
Last week, Minister Croal announced that Lust-en- Rust will benefit from a new water fountain, costing $ 115 million.
This, the minister said, will bring great ease to many communities, as the ministry seeks to advance development in one of the “success stories” of the previous People’s Party / Civic Progressive Party administration, La Parfaite Harmonie housing scheme.
Minister Croal reminded residents of the five years of neglect and lack of basic infrastructure, under the former administration of the Coalition A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU + AFC).
EXTENDED PROGRAM
La Parfaite Harmonie aside, progress is also expected in other communities, as the minister announces that the IDB has approved the extension of the Adequate Urban Housing and Accessibility Program to Victoria, East Demerara Coast (ECD).
Prior to this extension only low-income families within the border – La Bonne Intention (LBI), Grove, Lust-en-Rust, Onderneeming, Recht-door-zee and La Parfaite Harmonie Phase Two, were able to benefit . Work under the IDB project could start as early as July, and the Ministry of Housing and Water, through the operating agency, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), will not save any time in tendering for these projects , said the Minister of Croal. In addition, in other communities where the IDB project will not cover, residents assured that work will be done through collaborative efforts with local authorities and the Local Government and Regional Development Ministries, and Public Works.
Responding directly to announcements of the ministry’s plans for Region Three, Regional Chairman Inshan Ayube said that in the last few months, the region has seen a significant development in its water supply, and that nearly 1,000 residents have taken a step closer to becoming first – time homeowners.
“In line with government policies and in line with our manifesto pledges, we are pleased that we can work towards improving your lifestyle and delivering on our promises,” he said. The Regional Chairman further praised the Croal Minister, who, he said, has been reaching out to the people of the region and bringing solutions to residents.
Highlighting other development work in the region, Ayube said several inland roads have been rehabilitated, drains cleared and canals dug, to ensure easy access to farming communities.
ALL COMMUNITIES
“Development in the region is moving across all communities, including the Essequibo River and the Demerara River and this reflects a commitment from your government … there is improvement in all sectors, health, agriculture, housing, water, and infrastructure,” The Regional Chair noted.
Meanwhile, Minister Croal said the outreach done on Wednesday reflected how the government is operating, as it meets the people and draws tangible solutions through a consultation process.
“We act as one government, whatever we do is done in conjunction with the regional plans, to maximize the output of the program and the policies we we are putting them into action to improve your day-to-day lives, ”said the minister.
He added that the development seen throughout the region was a joint effort among the Public Works, Local Government and Regional Development, Housing and Water Ministries, and the local Neighborhood Democratic Councils.
Referring to the allocation of 1,000 housing lots, made in December 2020, the minister noted that the construction sector in the region will see a huge boom, as the ministry, through the CH&PA, will initiate infrastructure development in many areas new houses soon. .
He, however, called on people to be patient with all government agencies, as he explained that while the government is delivering its programs, no community will be neglected.
“Our development plans will be made incrementally but equally across this and all other regions,” said the minister.
Meanwhile, Minister Croal also called for people to operate within the legal framework for obtaining residential housing lots, as he noted that squatting is not required.
“There is no real need to squat, the government housing campaign will cater for all eligible housing applicants, and systems are in place for people to use the right channel,” Minister Croal reasoned.