A TRACTOR and a boat engine were handed over recently by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to three Region One villages – White Water, Kamwatta and Three Brothers.

According to Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, the government has invested in one of the best brand of tractors, Massey Ferguson, known for its durability and sustainability. The tractor will be utilized by White Water and Kamwatta.

The Amerindian Affairs Minister said the tractor will be kept at White Water and a management team will be established consisting of persons from both communities. The team will also look at scheduling of works for the tractor as well as maintenance.

The tractor was handed over by the Minister to the Toshaos of these communities. Minister Sukhai said the tractor is a very expensive piece of equipment that will help in communities as it relates to the agriculture sector, transportation and even emergencies.

The tractor will support the National Hinterland Livelihood Project and as the project kicks off, the communities may have greater need for this machinery, Minister Sukhai said.

Residents expressed their appreciation for the tractor and said the village had been requesting one for years. They noted that the tractor will be assisting in the transportation of agricultural produce and lumber for the community.

The two communities will also be able to transport their produce to the market regularly. Previously, transportation of agricultural produce was very costly.

Some residents said the donation will result in the living standards of these communities being improved. The tractor will be used to plough fields for other agriculturally based activities.

Minister Sukhai also visited the village of Three Brothers which is located in the Waini River where she donated a boat engine. She said it will be utilized for various purposes such as village business and supporting residents’ needs.

Residents said it was clear that Government was interested in their welfare, even though they were so far away. The boat engine, they said, will assist with transportation and communication, thus creating vital links for the communities involved.