PIAPANG Village in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) also received a brand new tractor/trailer and a plough during  last weekend’s outreach by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai.

She presented a solar panel, as well, to Toshao Paul Isaacs of Tashida Village who was present at that handing over when villagers raised concerns in the areas of education, health and electricity.
The villagers at the presentation said such assistance would enhance their day to day activities and benefit their children.
The minister told the residents that presidential and eco-tourism grants will be made available upon tendering of their proposals.
She said accountability and trust must be first and foremost in undertaking these projects and noted that it is the villagers and residents who will benefit.
The minister cautioned that use of the equipment given must be with utmost care and the managing, maintenance and care accountable.
Discussions
During their discussions, residents raised the issue of education, pointing out that Piapang has a majority of children attending the Tiger Pond Nursery and Primary Schools and transportation for them during the rainy season is very risky, as the area, when flooded, is infested with huge wild animals and other creatures.
A decision was made to have the children transported with the tractor on Mondays and accommodated in the teachers’ living quarters, under the rotating management of a parent up to Friday and assistance for meals and fuel will, initially, be borne by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
The other concerns surrounded medical supplies and agriculture. About the latter, it was stated that the village, presently, has a large banana cultivation which was started with a presidential grant but encountered irrigation difficulties from frequent rainfall due to the changed weather pattern.
The minister undertook to take up that and the health issue with the respective ministers and report the outcomes through the community development officer (CDO).