-residents express gratitude
RESIDENTS of River’s View and Batavia, Region Seven, on Monday received a welcome gesture from government, as the April 17 promise by President Bharrat Jagdeo to provide water tanks to the two communities was realised. Seventy- four 500 gallons water tanks were earmarked for residents of both communities to help enhance their livelihood.  River’s View, with a community of 700, is earmarked for 37 with 21 of the tanks already delivered, with the remainder to reach the community later this week.
Batavia has received its full quota of 37 that will benefit 300 residents.
On the president’s recent visit to Region Seven, residents had shared their concerns, one of which was accessing potable water.
The handing over of the tanks was done by Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali, who pointed out that their delivery is part of the government’s programme to provide tanks for hinterland and riverine communities.
“Government is making this investment  because we believe strongly in ensuring that all of our people, regardless of where they live, their social status or religious persuasion, should benefit equitably and fairly from the revenue and development drive of the government, so we are happy to bring this facility here to you”.
In addition, the minister anticipates that, very soon, with the assistance of the Ministry of Amerindians Affairs, phase two of the initiative where additional tanks will be made available will be achieved, followed by phase three by the end of the year.
For several years, residents of the two communities were dependent on the water from the river; however, because of mining activities, chemicals have been contaminating the water.
With the provision of the tanks, the residents said that they will take advantage of the rain water.
Raquel Jeffery, a Batavia resident, said most of the land dredges around the area flush their water into the creek which would then flow into the Cuyuni River rendering it unhealthy for use.
“I am happy that the government is able to do good for us in the Cuyuni River. The whole community is grateful that our government is helping us,” Jeffery said.
Agley Smith, another resident of Batavia, said he is very proud to have the tank since he cannot afford one and assured that he will take good care of it.
A mother of a two –year- old was moved to tears, as she expressed appreciation. She pointed out that the water from the river would cause rashes on her baby. With the water tanks, she noted that she can store clean water to cook and take care of her baby.
River’s View Toshao, Melena Pollard, expressed profound gratitude to the government for the timely intervention.
She noted also that delivery of this promise is evidence that Amerindians are not forgotten.
Region Seven Chairman Holbert Knight also expressed appreciation for the much-needed intervention, and urged the residents to use the resources for their intended purpose.
Toshao of Batavia, Vincent George, remarked that it was a blessed day for the community as they have been relieved of a major problem.
Meanwhile, Minister Ali, along with a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the Guyana Water Incorporated, inclusive of Permanent Secretary, Emile Mc Garrell; CEO, CH&PA, Myrna Pitt; Land Allocation Manager, Denise Tudor; Hinterland Water Manager, Akram Hussain; Public Relations Officer, GWI, Timothy Austin; and Rawle Edinboro, Chief Development and Planning Officer met with residents and listened to their concerns.
Also present at the meeting were the Regional Chairman and the Regional Executive Officer, Peter Ramotar.
Several of the questions raised related to land demarcation, One Laptop Per Family project, and recreational facilities.
Residents of Falmouth, located some miles from River’s View, requested a nursery school since their children have to attend the school in River’s View.
Minister Ali pointed out that, while government would love to address their concern, it would not be feasible to build a school for 10 students.
He advised that they can train someone in nursery tutoring in Falmouth to teach the students, a suggestion that found favour with the residents.
As for the OLPF, the minister told them that laptops require electricity. However, government has embarked on a special strategy for hinterland residents.
“If you don’t have basic energy then you would not be able to use the laptops. The president has made this very clear that we are going to look at the riverine and hinterland communities to build small centres to start with; and we are going to try and power those centres with solar energy and then put in computers in those centres so that the communities can benefit while we come up with the more elaborate programme of having solar panels in every home and laptop in every home”. (GINA)