– Housing and infrastructural works on target
Government has been robustly advancing its housing programme throughout the country.
This year, Region Six alone will see the development of 1, 482 house lots at a cost of approximately $700M.
Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, recently told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that work has been moving rapidly. For example, in Area R’ Anchorville, work is more than 50 percent complete, while the second phase in  Fortlands Ordinance is 75 percent completed.
“We are hoping to conclude all the infrastructural work as it relates directly to the housing programme by the end of November here in Region Six,” Minister Ali said.
Regional Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha said the Ministry has already allocated over 20,000 house lots; and in order to meet the full housing demands, the regional administration is now looking for more lands to develop into housing schemes.
He explained that at present, lots are available at Bloomfield and Port Mourant; however, major schemes such as Block Four Tain and Block One Chesney are filled to capacity.
“People are coming from other parts of the country to take up residence in the region because of the kind of development that is taking place, giving way to more economic activities,” Mustapha posited.
These developments include the prospects of oil and gas exploration for which CGX, the exploration company, has already started the construction of the access road to the Berbice River. Additionally, the cement bagging plant at Bermine has started its operations, employing about 400 persons.
In terms of road infrastructure, the Regional Chairman said that 90 community roads will be completed this year, a historic achievement for the region.
“All 16 NDCs, three municipalities, and five CDC-controlled areas are going to have community roads,” Mustapha aid.
As a result of representation made by residents during a Cabinet outreach earlier this year, rehabilitation of the Albion access road is completed. Meanwhile, work on the West Canje access road is in progress.
Another major project is rehabilitation of the 22-mile Black Bush Polder road being undertaken BK International, which currently in the process of mobilisation.
The Regional Chairman has had talks with President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn with regard to the East Bank Berbice road. He is optimistic that before the end of the year, the Region will be able to garner the necessary funds to commence rehabilitation works on that road.   (GINA)