Government’s $142.8 billion, 2010 budget, coupled with the private sector spending, could drive the country’s economy this year, President Bharrat Jagdeo told the media on Friday at a press conference at the Office of the President.
The President urged that people look at the opportunities in this year’s budget which government has already begun implementing.
The budget, he said, is an expansive one which contains not only immediate infrastructural projects to improve the quality of life in the short-term, but projects with a strategic look for the future and one that will support the expansion of the economy. This year $7.6B will be expended on the construction and repairs of roads and bridges across the country.
Approximately $1B has been budgeted for the construction of 35 kilometres of all weather roads in the Black Bush Polder area. Major improvement has already commenced on the East and West Canje roads.
President Jagdeo reiterated that several social sector initiatives have also been implemented, such as the $800M school feeding programme.
Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) won the contract for the supply of fortified fruit juice to the schools which, by extension, has increased the demand for fruits from farmers who will now supply a larger market.
The education sector will also be strengthened as $21.4B was allocated towards strengthening programmes and policies within the sector and implementing new initiatives. The implementation of the Education Strategic Plan will also be a priority in 2010, reflecting the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to transform the education sector into one that eliminates illiteracy, modernises education and strengthens tolerance.
Over $940M has been allocated for the continued expansion of technical and vocational training, while $880M has been earmarked for teachers’ training and development and the revision and production of materials needed to promote a comprehensive training and development programme.
The University of Guyana has been allocated $700M and an amount of $450M has been provided for student loans.
The $50M single parent programme and training programmes for young people are also being implemented. Child friendly job training in the areas of cosmetology, catering, information technology, office procedures, childcare and care for the elderly are included in this programme.
The President further explained that Government has partnered with the Guyana Bank for Trade Industry and Commerce (GBTI) which has put $450M to the programme.  The now $500 M programme caters for small loans to single parents and financing to projects at a low interest rate of six to seven per cent.
Home ownership remains high on Government’s agenda and the housing sector will expend $2.8B to further the housing programme which aims to provide 5,500 house lots and the processing and distribution of 3,750 land titles this year. (GINA)