THE importance of road networks to socio-economic development cannot be over emphasised because they are vital in the movement of people, goods and services. In our context, the absence of adequate road networks has been a significant factor in the disparity in socio-economic development between the hinterland and the coastland.
Of course we have such a situation because of abject neglect of these hinterland communities during the long 28-year reign of the People’s National Congress government. During this period the economy was so badly mismanaged that funds could not have been found to import basic food items and essential goods, much less finding money to invest in hinterland development.
Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue in his paper: Transportation and Economic Development asserts: “Like many economic activities that are intensive in infrastructures, the transport sector is an important component of the economy impacting on development and the welfare of populations. When transport systems are efficient, they provide economic and social opportunities and benefits that result in positive multipliers effects such as better accessibility to markets, employment and additional investments. When transport systems are deficient in terms of capacity or reliability, they can have an economic cost such as reduced or missed opportunities. Efficient transportation reduces costs, while inefficient transportation increases costs. Transport also carries an important social and environmental load, which cannot be neglected. Thus, from a general standpoint the economic impacts of transportation can be direct and indirect.”
Ever since its ascension to office in 1992, the PPP/C government has been working assiduously to rectify this situation as it seeks to narrow the developmental gap between the hinterland and the coastland. In fact, this is major plank of the government’s development drive. But with limited resources in its early years in government, developing road networks in the hinterlands has not been an easy task. And of course the difficult terrain and logistical problems have been major obstacles as well.
More recently the combined parliamentary opposition, using their one- seat majority, axed funds under the LCDS.Those were intended to accelerate development in the hinterland communities.
Nevertheless, the government commendably has not been daunted by this cutting of funds, and is going ahead with the programme it started to improve hinterland road networks and the welfare and living standards of our indigenous peoples.
Recently during a visit to Region 1, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker gave the assurance that several villages in the Moruca Sub-Region of Region 1 would be interlinked through roads being constructed by central government.
Already motor cars and pick-ups are accessing the thoroughfare but it is expected that, by the end of the project, more vehicles would be able to do so.
This is good news not only for the residents but for all of Guyana because the tremendous agricultural and commercial potential of these communities would be further unlocked impacting both on the local and national economy, enhancing the national developmental process.