In 2016, the Government will be investing over $4 billion, in support of the Plan of Action for Hinterland Development.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan in his budget presentation in the National Assembly on Friday revealed that in excess of $280 million has been allocated to promote economic prosperity, tourism development and preserving cultural identity.

He noted that this sum is inclusive of grants for 211 Indigenous communities that will build village economies and fund eco-tourism projects specifically for the nation’s 50th Independence celebration.

It also includes support to women’s groups, the construction of community centres and the procurement of musical instruments, sports gear and sewing machines.

In order to support hinterland education, the Government has made provision for the design of a new dormitory at Liliendaal, to accommodate students with interest in enrolling in institutions of higher learning. There will also be support to the Bina Hill Institute and the procurement of buses for the transportation of school children.

Additionally, nearly $1 billion has been budgeted for the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) project. Launched in October 2015, the project will prepare youth for leadership roles in their communities.

The Minister noted that to help narrow the gap in living standards of residents of our coastal and hinterland regions, the Government has allocated over $2 billion for the establishment and improvement of physical infrastructure throughout the hinterland regions, in 2016.

Of this amount, the sum of $1.7 billion has been identified for the rehabilitation and surfacing of roads in areas such as Mahdia, Bartica, Ituni, Kurupukari, Tabatinga and Port Kaituma.