MINISTER of Public Infrastructure, Mr David Patterson, has indicated that the National Task Force, headed by Major General (rt’d) Joe Singh will host its first meeting on August 13, in the boardroom of the Guyana Forestry Commission.

Minister Patterson at a news conference yesterday, explained that the first meeting will see just over 50 invitees in attendance and they will include technical personnel and the Diplomatic Corps.

“Phase One of their reports will be delivered in May 2016 and will comprise short-term measures to the drainage problems. Phase Two, which is the final report, will be presented in May 2017 and will contain a completed, comprehensive, nation-wide drainage works.”

The National Task Force was established by the current Administration to oversee the effective functioning of Guyana’s drainage and irrigation system and to make recommendations for its upgrade. Recently, the Force was awarded $36M by Cabinet to execute its mandate.

The Task Force is slated to have representatives from various ministries and committees, including the commemoration committee which is handling Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations. The overall objective is to restore Guyana to a land of great attractiveness and prosperity, and one which offers a good life for all its citizens and its visitors.

The Task Force, headed by Major General (rt’d) Joe Singh, will include Charles Sohan, Malcolm Ally, Egbert Carter, Andrew Bishop, Stanley Ming, Joseph Holder, Charles Ceres and Dr. David Singh.
It will also include members of the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE), the private sector, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) as well as representatives of various ministries. (GINA)