THE small community of Wallaba, in Region One (Barima/Waini), yesterday received from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry keys to a brand new vehicle to be used to transport school children and market agricultural produce. Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai presented the keys of the four-wheel-drive Hilux double-cab pick-up, worth $4.2M, to Senior Councillor of the village, Dennis John, at the ministry at Thomas and Quamina Streets in Georgetown.
Sukhai said she was very pleased to present the vehicle on behalf of the government.
The village will establish a management committee to ensure the following: Sustainability of the vehicle, that a driver is employed, that the fuel is always available, and that the maintenance will be scheduled, as is necessary.
John thanked the government for fulfilling a promise made to the community, and remarked that yesterday was a big day for him and the people of Wallaba.
He disclosed that the village has about 67 school children, who have to walk about ten miles to reach to school, or pay $200 for a ride to school, which he said was very hard on them.