THE Chairman of Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) Mr. Julius Faerber said the Region has experienced tremendous development and growth over the past four years.

Speaking during a ‘One Stop Shop’ last week hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Water, at the Uitvlugt Community Centre on the West Coast of  Demerara, he said, since his assumption of the post in 2006, he has witnessed improvements across the region, as a direct result of Government implemented policies and initiatives.

Addressing the crowd, from which 300 house lots were distributed, Faerber said: “We want to ensure that our people are comfortable and that we deliver the services that they require.”

Acknowledging  the importance of such an initiative by the Government and the Ministry of Housing and Water, he said that prior to 1992, the Housing Ministry had been closed but was resuscitated into a vibrant entity to, once more, guarantee that all citizens benefit  from home ownership.

“I am certain that all are pleased to know that the Region can benefit from such activities,” Faerber stated.

He encouraged those in the gathering to grasp the opportunities available to them, especially with the newly introduced ‘Core House’ pilot programme which aims to provide low cost housing for individuals and families who meet specified criteria.

“This is a perfect opportunity for poor families to get the chance to own homes. We recognise that not everyone can afford to start building immediately,” Faerber said, adding: “Our Government has been working to ensure that all of its people are satisfied.”

He implored the allottees to begin construction on their lots as soon as possible and emphasised that it is the responsibility of the residents to maintain and upkeep their communities.

According to him, this is just another of the many planned projects to further improve the lives of citizens across the Region and one more such activity was conducted in Parfait Harmonie yesterday.

ROADS
In addition, Faerber revealed that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is presently working to develop roads, quite a few of which he said are “in a despicable state.”
“A lot of money has been allocated through Cabinet and works are in progress. The works are extensive and we will be spending in excess of $100M in Leguan and Wakenaam,” he disclosed.
He said the road repairs will be completed by the end of November, by which time the roads on both islands in the Essequibo River will be in a very good state.

Faerber commended the Ministry of Housing and Water for drilling water wells in the Region, specifically the one at Cornelia Ida, also on the West Coast Demerara, which has resulted in delivery of increased water pressure.
“There are quite a number of wells that the Ministry has developed and the water pressure in the region is better than it has been before and the residents are happier,” he said.
“Once again, thanks to the Ministry of Housing and the Government for making all of the developments possible for residents in Region Three,” Faerber offered.