ONGOING works to the industrial site at Lethem as well as road works and construction of a multi-purpose sports ground are several projects which Rupununi residents can expect coming into fruition in the months ahead.

Lethem was officially declared a town in 2017, and to date, a number of projects have been undertaken to match the name with nature.
Lethem’s former mayor Carlton Beckles told the Guyana Chronicle during a recent visit to the town that the council has increased its revenue-collection base since the body was set up following the 2017 Local Government Elections.

He said prior to the formation of the municipality, the town earned approximately $25,000-$30,000 monthly. Currently, the council rakes in about $3M monthly.
The sum accounts for ventures such as garbage collection, royalty on sand and gravel mining, as well as through the transportation service the town provides to children who travel between Lethem and nearby St Ignatius.

The fee per child is $1000 per week. This has given the council the spending power to initiate several projects within the area.
A walk around Lethem would lead to several open spaces which are currently being fenced and upgraded.

Most of the ground works at the parks were completed last year, while some are ongoing. These include works to the Mayflower Park at Culvert city, where the municipality has fenced the area and built sanitary facilities, a benab, as well as a tarmac for children and others to play.

In addition, the municipality last year embarked on a major project in which the Lethem Sports Complex ground called the “Complex Ground” is being made into a multi-purpose facility.

A few weeks ago, prior to handing over the post of mayor, Beckles had told the Guyana Chronicle that the ground will be the premier sports facility in the developing town.

A concrete fence has been erected around the ground, and according to Beckles, the business community will be invited to purchase advertising space on the fence. In addition, the ground will be equipped with 36,000 watts of flood lights, and the former mayor noted that the lamps have been procured for the project.

In addition, tenders will be placed in the public soon for the construction of a pavilion to house spectators and officials.
An internal fence to protect spectators is also in the process of being set up at the ground, while a small complex has been built and is expected to be used for functions such as weddings.

Beckles said a Brazilian firm will be undertaking soil-testing on the sward at the complex before grass is planted at the facility.
Lethem residents are currently witnessing a much-anticipated road project in which Brazilian firm COEM and JR Ranch are carrying out road works on some 2.1 kilometres of road within the commercial district of the town.

The works commenced recently with the pipelines being laid for drainage. Beckles said that the project is expected to be completed by September, weather permitting.
Lethem’s current mayor, Kerry Jarvis and councillors recently made a visit to the site alongside the road where drainage works are being undertaken.

The town council said it will continue to play an integral role in the town’s development and will hold regular consultations with residents and conduct more visits to selected sites in the municipality. Projects will also be carefully monitored and decisions will be made in a timely manner, the council noted.

Other projects ongoing at the town are the installation of street lamps at unlit areas, while the council recently procured a new garbage truck which was sourced from the United Kingdom. The town council is also undertaking projects at Tabatinga, where it has fenced a sports ground. A nursery school is also under construction there.

Lethem’s development will also be boosted by completion of the industrial site which, according to the Ministry of Business, is on schedule. Once completed the facilities at the zone will be a stimulus for many of the entrepreneurs within Lethem and the wider Region Nine area.

Minister Dominic Gaskin visited the area earlier this month and pointed out that a business incubator is being established to give small businesses an outlet where they can cultivate and acquire enough skills in an enabling environment with the necessary support mechanism.

The industrial site is expected to be a source of employment for residents of the town.