AS part of the Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Project which is being implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Water, 14 burial grounds in Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were recently cleared of overgrown vegetation.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Housing and Water, the clearing exercises were executed as part of the Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP, which is being implemented by the ministry under the stewardship of Housing Minister Irfaan Ali.

Fourteen burial grounds in Region 2, including La Belle Alliance, which is home to the historical Damon’s Cross, were recently cleared of overgrown vegetation. This project aims at improving the access and aesthetics in communities across the country, while fostering greater community unity.

The project targets weeding of parapets, cleaning residential drains, and clearing cemetery and crematorium grounds.
Works have commenced in several regions and the ministry is currently preparing to roll out the programme in other areas. The ministry will first focus on improving the grounds of cemeteries and clearing residential drains which are overgrown with vegetation.
The CIIP will directly benefit residents in the 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and create employment for more than 1,200 persons.
The clearing exercises commenced in all NDCs and the Anna Regina Township in Region 2 on September 1. Some of the burial grounds had not been cleared for decades and were inaccessible and unsafe. The historical La Belle Alliance Burial Ground had not been cleared in four decades.
Basil Persaud, Regional Community Enhancement Officer, noted that clearing of the 3,920ft by 200ft burial ground is 50 percent completed.

BEE HIVES
“Clearing of this section came to an abrupt halt because workers encountered bee hives,” he said. He said further that “the ministry is currently organising bee experts to remove the

Africanised bee hives, because the safety of the workers and visitors are a top priority.”
Other burial grounds that benefited from improvements include Charity, Better Hope, Andrews, Elisa, Three Friends Walton Hall, Cotton Field, Queenstown, Aberdeen/Zorg-en-vlygt, and Golden Fleece.
The Aberdeen/Zorg-en-vlygt Burial Ground is now in an excellent condition with not even a blade of grass visible. The 40 labourers who worked on this project ensured that every stump and weed was removed. Clearing of the Three Friends/Walton Hall Burial Ground was completed in three days by 52 workers. This site is approximately 150 square feet.
Another burial ground that was in a deplorable condition and had not been cleared for decades is Elisa. While some burial grounds had received minor clearing by residents over the years it was evident that this was not the case with the Elisa Burial Ground.
Project Coordinator, Karen Roopchand, gave the assurance that continuity of similar exercises is a must. She noted that “As vegetation begins to surface, workers attached to the various areas will be proactive rather than reactive.” She also noted that several other initiatives have been planned under the project which will contribute to cleaner, healthier and safer communities across the length and breadth of the country.