CHAIRMAN of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Mr. Zulphikar Mustapha, has lauded the Government for increasing advancements in the ‘Ancient County’.
Speaking during a recent ‘One Stop Shop’ exercise in the Region, he said such initiatives help to facilitate the citizens as the housing drive accelerates.
“I hope that other areas across the Region will be targeted. As more persons take up residence in Berbice, there is a greater demand for house lots,” Mustapha said.
He pointed out that, as a result of such developments, the Region is experiencing greater economic activity, which is expected to increase with the intended CGX oil exploration, for which works have already commenced on the access road to the wharf to be constructed in Berbice River.
Mustapha pointed out that the more economic activities are drawing people into the Region.
Alluding to the recent commissioning of the Queenstown Water Treatment Plant, in Corriverton, which will serve 18,000 people, he said it would make a tremendous difference in the lives of residents who will benefit.
“There never was a water treatment plant in the Upper Corentyne area and now all three towns in Region Six, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall and Corriverton are beneficiaries,” he acknowledged.
Commending the Ministry of Housing and Water and the Government for promoting developmental undertakings on an incremental basis in the region, Mustapha admitted they are developing the Region and pledged to work in partnership to continue the process.
About ongoing road projects, he said works on close to 90 across the Region will be completed by year, with the biggest project being the Albion Access Road, on which one mile has already been built.
While rehabilitation on the West Canje road is in progress, he said materials are being stockpiled to commence working on the Black Bush Polder roadway this month.
Mustapha also revealed that he is, currently, in discussions with President Bharrat Jagdeo to secure funding to rehabilitate the East Bank Berbice Public Road which he described as a “very contentious” issue.
He said the condition of it continues to deteriorate as a result of the erosion caused by the Berbice River and the matter has been raised with the Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Mr. Robeson Benn.
“I am very optimistic that, before this year is out, there will be funds to do it,” Mustapha said.