PROPOSED in the 2015 Budget for the advancement of development in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are several infrastructural works and the procurement of a new ambulance to boost the region’s health sector.Region 9, next door to Brazil, is the largest administrative region in Guyana, bordering Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8) to the north and East Berbice-Corentyne (Region 6) to the east.
Not without challenges though, the Region which was described by Regional Executive Officer (REO), Carl Parker, as one possessing people who live in “relative unity”, has over the years struggled with development.
But with the presentation of Budget 2015 slated for August 10, Parker gave a sneak peek into some of the proposed capital expenditures which were proposed in the region’s budget.
In the health sector, the REO revealed the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC’s) intention to acquire a four-wheel drive ambulance to aid in the delivery of medical services. Additionally, rehabilitation of the Aishalton hospital is proposed in order to make it more habitable.
In the education sector in the region, Parker disclosed that there are plans to rehabilitate the dormitory at St. Ignatius, which is crowded, and restore the one at Annai which is not in good order.
However, this year, the REO said, much capital works will not be done in the region due to the time span given for the budget preparation and the weather pattern in the Rupununi which would be problematic in getting these projects completed. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful that those proposed projects will be executed at the soonest possible time.
Attention was then directed to certain challenges plaguing the region, which contributes significantly to the stifling of economic, social and cultural growth.
SHALLOW WELLS
Traditionally, it is known that the Rupununi sources its water from ‘shallow wells.’ However, in the dry season, those wells run dry, threatening water security and further contributing to the strangulation of social and economic development in the region.
However, according to Parker, this issue is being “incrementally” addressed since some “deep wells” are currently being developed with solar pumps, complemented by overhead tanks. That would be an ongoing project, he said, adding that the issue is being addressed in accordance with its priority.
To this end, he expressed the hope, that within the next five years, at least 75 per cent of the villagers will not have to depend on those shallow wells which pose problems in the dry season.
SECURITY
Acknowledging the security problems in the region, the REO said that the 1,000-mile border between Guyana and Brazil – which also forms part of the boundary for Region 9, contributes negatively in this regard. Smuggling, trafficking, cattle rustling and the ease of access between the two countries after committing crimes, are just a few of the security challenges faced daily, due to the geographical location of the region.
But according to Parker, this is an issue which central government will have to address since the regional body currently lacks the resources needed to tackle the issue.
But the key to addressing some of the security problems in this region is maintaining a good relationship with the authorities across the borders. And that is exactly what the authorities in Region 9 have been working towards.
CROSS BORDER COMMITTEE
The REO said, “We’re hoping that the cross border committee that was started with the last Administration will continue so that we can collaborate on several issues. We have in that regard, to meet strict quality control standards so that our people can benefit from cross border trade which is also a major challenge in the Rupununi.”
QUALITY CONTROL
In this region, Parker noted, there is great potential for local goods to be taken to Brazil and sold due to the size of the markets existing there. However, what is needed is the implementation of strict quality control.
GEORGETOWN TO LETHEM ROAD
The next major challenge stifling the development of the region is the access road from Georgetown to Lethem. Once developed, the possibilities leading to development in the region will remain endless, Parker maintained, adding that it is hoped that the Government will address this issue with a medium to long-term strategy.
To this end, the RDC will explore and discuss and come up with recommendations which will aim at pushing the Government to speed up plans for the access road.
These challenges, and a few other minor ones, are what the RDC will be addressing, given their new mandate by the Communities Ministry. It is hoped, he said, that residents will benefit from the cross border trade and social, economic and physical development will be manifested in every corner of the region.