THE House has approved the 2016 budgeted spending for Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) that outlines the implementation of a number of key priorities in education delivery and the provision of services in health and public works.The region’s budget for 2016 includes strategic investments in the construction of a nursery school at Tabatinga; annexes at Pai Pang and Baishandrun Primary Schools; living quarters at Sand Creek Secondary and sanitary blocks and trestles at Surama, Aishalton and Wowetta Nursery and Quatata Primary schools.
Additionally, investments are also included to support the upgrading of health centres at Karasabai and Sand Creek; the construction of bridges at Sand Creek Aishalton and Baishaidrum; the upgrading of roads at Nappi, Parishara, Quaiko, from Karasabai to Tiger Pond and from Tiger Pond to Pai Pang; the construction of culverts at Aranaputa, Kwatamang and Kabanawaw and the upgrading of bridge approaches at Kumu and Buro.
The sum of $1.9B for Region 9 was approved by the House.
The region plans to spend $161.718M on regional administration and finance; $70.078M on agriculture; $291.4M on public works; $971.18M on education delivery and $424.42M on health services.
Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, who was questioned about the region’s budget, explained that an allocation of $34.62M will provide for the construction of shade houses in support of the agricultural programme being executed in five secondary schools in the region.
The allocation also provides for an All Terrain Vehicle that will be used by an extension officer based in Annai, the minister explained. Also covered under the allocation he explained is the rehabilitation of abattoirs at Sand Creek, Aishalton, Annai and Karasabai and the provision of new pasture at Annai and Shulinab.
He also clarified that $31M will cover the construction of bridges, while $38.7M will be spent on upgrading roads. An amount of $30.15M will go towards infrastructural development.
A provision of $9.561M will support the upgrading of an electrical system at St Ignatius Secondary School. The sum of $30.2M will be expended on water supply systems at Awarewaunau, Katoonarib and Sawariwau and for the provision of solar water systems at Taushida, Quaiko and Massara.
The minister explained that a four-wheel drive land cruiser retro-fitted at a total cost of $9M will function as an ambulance.
He also promised that indigenous contractors and labourers will be given first preference with regard to employment as it relates to the construction of sanitary blocks at Cracrana, Toka, Sawariwau, Achiwuib and Yupukari health post and Lethem Regional Hospital. This will also apply to the upgrading of health centres at Karasabai and Sand Creek.
The region is budgeted to spend over $47.839M on these investments, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.