–reassures them their homes will not be demolished

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) wishes to address concerns raised by residents of the East Bank Essequibo squatting community of Parika Façade regarding the Parika-Goshen Road Project.Recent reports indicate that statements have been circulating to the effect that homes will be demolished to facilitate the project. These statements have understandably caused panic among residents of the community. The MPI therefore wishes to firmly assure these residents that no demolition of their homes will occur. Rather, the most extreme form of action will be relocation of homes found to be in the direct path of the proposed site.

The project is currently in its design and consultancy phase. When that process has been completed, it would be determined whether any relocation — not demolition – is necessary.

The MPI has said it must be noted that relocation of homes to facilitate completion of projects is not unusual. For example, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) runway project saw the relocation of 19 homes in Timehri North. These homes were relocated some 200 metres away. Additionally, this process featured several consultations with the residents over an extended period of time.

If, following the design process, residents of Parika Façade must be relocated, they will be duly consulted on the way forward, the MPI has promised. Furthermore, the MPI has said that while it supports community interactions on projects, all interested persons are encouraged to be duly informed and educated before publicly communicating on projects.

Moreover, the MPI says, those who have reportedly been deliberately sharing misinformation are urged to cease this practice. Residents and other persons who are interested in the Parika-Goshen Road Project are free to contact the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on 226-4368 for any information they may need.