RESIDENTS of the mining community of Mahdia in Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni) will benefit from massive infrastructure works, including asphalted internal roads and a $80M water treatment plant, among other development initiatives this year.
Disclosing this at the commencement of Mining Week 2014, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNR&E) said that along with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), it remains resolute in its commitment of support to the mining sector in general and to the community of Mahdia in particular.
“We are cognizant of the challenges and constraints facing the mining sector and every effort is being made to overcome these challenges,” a release from the Ministry said.
It disclosed, among the imminent upgrades, that the GGMC recently signed a contract for $70.0 Million for the rehabilitation of the road from Brian Sucre Junction to Mahdia.
This road works has commenced and will be using new technology (material for mechanical stabilization of pavements) to ensure that value for money spent is achieved.
The Government and the Ministry, the release said further, are cognizant of the conditions of the internal roads of Mahdia and as such plans are in train to asphalt the roads, particularly since monies have been expended on continuous rehabilitation of laterite surfaces.
In this regard, a site visit and inspection for the paving of Mahdia’s internal roads will be done through the Ministry of Local Government.
A preliminary estimate to asphalt the internal roads has been examined and the project is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2014.
The Ministry and the Commission will also be providing financial assistance to desilt two creeks, namely Boysie and Anna creeks, at a cost of $2.5 Million.
This will reduce the overflow of the creeks and subsequent flooding that occurs and disrupts the lives of residents during the rainy season.
Financing will also be provided for the construction of a Water Treatment Facility for Mahdia at an estimated cost of $80.0 Million.
The importance and effect of a stable and potable water supply for Mahdia, the Ministry disclosed, cannot be over-emphasised and it is in this regard that funding is provided to Guyana Water Inc. to ensure that the facility is completed in a timely manner, the Ministry said.
The water treatment facility will include the construction of a 360 m3 capacity ground storage tank costing $40 Million; the rehabilitation of source intake, desilting and sealing of existing porous channel at Salbora Creek at a cost of $20 Million; and rehabilitation works on the water distribution system at an estimated cost of $20 Million.
(By Clifford Stanley)
