Minister Ali assures indigenous people of development benefits
MINISTER of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali said, on Monday, that the Government continues to demonstrate its belief in partnership with all citizens in order to promote development throughout the country. He was speaking during a visit to Masekenari in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), to where he was accompanied by his Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emile Mc Garrell; Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) Director of Capital Investment and Planning, Mr. Ramchand Jailal; and Corporate Secretary, Mr. Nigel Niles.  

The team went there as a result of a Cabinet mandate following the National Toshaos Conference, earlier this year, after which the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs compiled a report that focused on issues affecting indigenous communities.

Ali told Masekenari Toshao, Mr. Paul Chekema, and other villagers that the Wai Wai village will soon benefit from a new well, which is expected to be operational by the end of January 2011.

Presently, a solar powered well provides water to the community but its capacity is inadequate, in the dry season, for the entire village, including residents in the highlands, who are all left without access to the vital resource.

To address this problem, Minister Ali announced that the initial plan was to deploy a drill capable of drilling to a depth of 150 feet but, due to transportation difficulties, it was decided to utilise available labour from the village to extend the existing 15 feet well to between 60 and 80 feet.

He said the labourers will be paid and all the materials necessary for the project would be provided.

“This is a major concern and the Ministry of Housing and Water has set aside resources to ensure that a deeper well is dug, so that you all can have access to water,” Ali assured them, adding: “We believe that all of Guyana must have equal opportunity and equal access to all resources.”

He said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has always held the Amerindian communities close to its heart and will continue to ensure that all of them benefit from the developments taking place in the country.

INITIATIVES
Ali cited several Government initiatives from which Amerindians are beneficiaries, notably the Presidential Grants, the Secure Livelihood Programme, the Hinterland Electrification Programme and the School Uniforms and Feeding Programmes, all to which the Administration remains committed.

He said: “We are very concerned about sustainable livelihoods in these communities and the creation of economic wealth is critical for their future.”

Ali reminded the villagers that President Bharrat Jagdeo put in unmatched work to make sure that the nation, especially Amerindians, benefit from the country’s natural resources through the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

“The struggle continues to ensure that our forests are preserved and the wealth goes to the people of the communities. In Masekenari, we want to make certain that development takes place at a faster rate,” he said.
Ali informed that, in addition to the recently constructed bridge in the village, the community will soon have improved access roads, as Government expends millions to improve the networks in the hinterland.

Alluding to the consequent benefits, he said improved roads will help foster linkages between the village and other communities, providing a critical factor for development.

After his speech, the residents were invited to raise matters of concern and he undertook to have them addressed in Cabinet.

One such was highlighted by the headteacher of Masekenari Primary School, Ms. Maribeth Singh, who lamented it is not a beneficiary of the feeding programme and also requested assistance with fuel to transport students to Aishalton Secondary School at the beginning and end of terms.

The Masekenari Community Health Worker, Ms. Janet Yamochi, complained that medication for the clinic does not arrive in a timely manner and, when it eventually does, most would have expired, rendering the delivery useless.

In response to the complaints, Ali gave the assurance that steps will be taken to remedy the situation and expressed gratitude to the community for supporting the policies and programmes of the PPP/C, which are aimed at accelerating growth across the country.

“Regardless of geographic location, ethnicity or religion, the common practice of the PPP/C is serving all people of the country,” he affirmed.