OUTREACHES form the basis for the compilation of priority projects, at the regional level, and over the past months, the representatives from the Local Government Ministry have been visiting communities across the country in an effort to ensure wide spread participation in preparation for the 2013 national budget.

Over the last weekend, the Ministry took its outreach programme to communities in the Deep South Rupununi, Region 9. Minister of Local Government, Minister Ganga Persaud, Permanent Secretary, Collin Croal, Regional Vice Chairman, Douglas Casimero, Deputy Regional Officer, Tikaram Bissessar and Presidential Liaison, Desmond Kissoon journeyed to Shulinab, Parikwarunawa, Bashauzon, Achawib, Parabara, Awarewaunau and Maruranu where they met and engaged residents in discussion.
Persaud acknowledged that while there is much to be done, development takes time and can be exemplified with individual and family development. He pointed out that regardless of the budget cuts which stymied developmental projects for 2012, some projects commenced while others did not.
Nevertheless, the transformation of the villages is evident since not only do they have education and health facilities, but are also producing people of substance, who after completing their educational ventures have become doctors, teachers, and engineers.
The minister shared some of the success since the present administration ascended to office in 1992, and expressed appreciation to the residents for their continued support to the government which has resulted in the continued growth of democracy.
Persaud called on the residents to compare the present state of their region and communities to what obtained prior to 1992. During the last 20 years, Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) has been transformed significantly, and this is evident with the construction of secondary schools, which were somewhat non-existent, and health facilities.
The advent of education has resulted in many youth becoming teachers, engineers and doctors, and some have returned to their respective villages to serve. Minister Persaud emphasised that investments in education has been bearing fruit and are seen in the Guyanese students excelling at CXC.
PS Croal outlined some of the development projects in the Deep South including rehabilitation to the Makushi primary, Shiriri teachers’ quarters and health post and Sawariwau nursery sanitary block. The Public Works programme includes upgrades to the Sand Creek road, while under education sanitary blocks at Katoonarib, Sawariwau and Shulinab are covered.
The health projects cater for construction of doctors’ quarters and procurement of furniture and equipment for the health facility at Sand Creek.
Projects made available by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs include grants for tourism programmes in Parikwarinau, construction of Baitoon village office, purchase of chain saw for Sawariwau and Parikwarinau, purchase of sewing machines for Baitoon and Parikwarinau, and brush cutters for Shulinab, Mariwau, Sawariwau and Quiko.
The Public Works programme in the Deep South Rupununi caters for rehabilitation of the Lethem to Katoonarib road at a cost of $78M and the bridge and access road to Katoonarib at a cost of $26M.
Under the Basic Needs Trust Fund, money was provided for the construction of the Potarinau health centre which is in the design phase.
PS Croal posited that these projects are manifestations of the government’s policy to ensure that Guyanese regardless of their location have access to basic services as such it is expected that residents will take care of items provided to make their lives better.