THE Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Housing and Water under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) commenced the implementation of the $484M project in 2014 and continues with improvements to drainage networks, trimmed parapets, and accessible burial grounds across the country. CIIP is one of Government’s projects aimed at transforming communities through the improvement of aesthetics and access and creation of jobs at the grass root level. Since its introduction to communities in August 2014, CIIP has not failed to deliver to residents in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Improvements to communities across Guyana are happening daily through the CIIP project where noticeably cleaner communities with improved access to public facilities are complementing a modernising Guyana.Improved drainage networks, trimmed parapets, and accessible burial grounds are now visible in many Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), targeted municipalities and Village Councils. “These works are being done to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities, conducive to family life and productivity,” the ministry related.
The construction and rehabilitation of 30 footpath bridges to the tune of $11.3M was another contribution of the CIIP project. Residents of Regions Three, Four, Five and Six are beneficiaries of the timber bridges. Some of the NDCs that benefited are: Golden Grove/ Diamond Place, Beterverwagting/ Triumph, and Mocha- Arcadia in Region Four; Bath/ Woodley Park, and Profit/ Rising Sun in Region Five; and Canal’s Polder, La Grange/Nismes, La Jalousie/Nouvelle Flanders, and Mora/Parika in Region Three.
“These structures have helped to provide access to schools, health centres, places of worship, cemeteries, and small businesses. Linkages between communities including Samatta Point and Kaneville were created, allowing easier movement of persons. These structures are expected to facilitate greater community cohesion and improve the standard of living of residents,” the ministry stated.
The Housing Ministry noted that “thanks to our hard -working Community Enhancement Workers (CEWs) over 50 public cemeteries including those at Rose Hall Town, Canefield, Bush Lot, and La Belle Alliance were cleaned and cleared of dense vegetation. This was no easy task, since many of the cemeteries had huge trees with wayward branches, tall bushes, swampy areas infested with snakes, and Africanized bee nests.”
“Today, persons could access new burial plots and visit the tombs of their loved ones. For instance, Canefield Cemetery, which is among several cemeteries that were never cleaned, is now accessible. Some families encouraged by the access created now maintain the area around the tombs of their loved ones. The impeccable condition of the Trafalgar Cemetery situated in Region Five is a sparkling example of the works being done by the CEWs,” the ministry stressed.
It should be noted, the ministry stated, that CEWs have been assisting to clean and clear internal drains and parapets. Over 110 areas, including the remote riverine communities of Orealla and Siparuta have benefited, thus far. “Improvements to the internal drainage networks have contributed to the free flow of water, eliminating breeding grounds for vectors that carry harmful diseases such as malaria and chikungunya.”
During the recent wet season, CIIP responded to flood emergencies in Regions 2 and 4, in areas such as Queenstown, Enmore and Better Hope. The CEWs were tasked with removing garbage and debris which had clogged several culverts and kokers. The local authorities were pleased with the response and expressed thanks for the provision of labour by the ministry.
The CIIP has directly and indirectly benefited thousands of citizens through improved access and aesthetics in communities, as well as through promoting healthier communities.