A COMMUNITY enhancement project, costing $5.2M, is currently underway in Albouystown, and which will see a significant upgrade of that Georgetown ward.
Minister of Labour, Mr. Manzoor Nadir made the disclosure on Sunday during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. He explained that the drive is being spearheaded by Chairman of the Board of Directors of Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), Mr. Keith Burrowes, who is also General Manager of Guyana National Cooperative Bank, (GNCB), owner of the property at the corner of Independence Boulevard and Albouys Street.
Nadir said Burrowes thought it would be a good idea and the two of them spoke to the Organising Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Mr. Derrick Kissoon, who asked that something be done to uplift and make the area more amenable for living.
He said the clean-up exercise was organised two weeks ago at the site which had been used as a dumping ground for the last 20 years.
For the purpose, close to 100 truck loads of garbage will have to be moved from the area. “When we are finished, in about two weeks time, the facility that has been identified will be available for use as a basketball and tape ball court while the boulevard will have benches,” Nadir reported.
He emphasised that it is a collaborative effort to create a model for emulation by other communities.
“We are saying that people can do so much for their own community. It is not that we have to wait on Central Government to do everything for us. Since the rates and taxes that we pay are always insufficient to provide all of the amenities that we want, we have to do some self-help,” Nadir said.
In that context, he expressed the hope that the undertaking, dubbed the South Georgetown Community Upliftment Programme, will spread like good news to other communities and evoke a change in attitudes.
Nadir pointed out that the cost to remove the garbage will exceed the available resources and, as such, members of the organising committee are seeking support from corporate sponsors.
He said some have already come on board and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony will contribute the basketball hoops and equipment.
Nadir declared it is gratifying to be involved in such a programme, particularly as he was born and raised in that ward.
Meanwhile, member of the organising committee and resident, Mr. Jason Abdulla welcomed the initiative which will greatly enhance the community’s image.
“This is an excellent project and it will, indeed, draw attention to this area where a lot of prominent sports persons, like boxer Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis, were born.” he said.