THE Supenaam Waterfront Project, Region Two, is being executed at a cost of $123M, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan disclosed.

He applauded the vision of the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), for initiating the project that is expected to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of residents.

The project is being funded by Central Government through the Public Infrastructure Ministry and the RDC.

It was noted that approximately $123.070M is expected to be invested in the project, of which approximately $89M will be provided by the Public Infrastructure Ministry and the remaining $34.070M will be sourced from the Region Two RDC.

“The first phase of the project which includes the construction of approximately 75 metres of new steel sheet revetment at the waterfront and the upgrading of approximately 80 metres of road to asphaltic concrete, has been awarded to Samaroo Investments Incorporated. Works are expected to commence by the end of May 2018 and to be completed by November, 2018,” Minister Bulkan said in a press statement on Saturday.

Minister Bulkan further pointed out that on April 10, 2018, consultations were held by the Public Infrastructure Ministry and the Ministry of Communities and involved the RDC Council, the Good Hope-Pomona Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), residents, taxi operators and speed boat operators, among others.

“These consultations will inform the second aspect of the project which is expected to include a paved waterfront with walkway and rail, lighting, covered public seating, new passenger waiting facilities, a boat landing structure to accommodate mooring of multiple boats, organised vending facilities, upgraded sanitary facilities, parking for vehicles and landscaping,” he further explained.

A second round of consultations is planned for May 2018 after which designs will be finalised and procurement for the remaining works will be done.

On completion, the project will be managed jointly by the RDC and Good Hope-Pomona NDC. Facilities operations at the site will provide revenue for the NDC, which would be used to provide improved services to residents in the NDC.

The ‘Supenaam Waterfront Project’, which will boast the features of a “green space”, is supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Communities, Minister Bulkan stated, while reiterating government’s commitment to local government development, strengthening and promoting financial sustainability of councils.

“The Ministry of Communities is committed to building cohesive, empowered, sustainable communities and to support the strengthening of local organs and the capital towns agenda through initiatives such as this project,” the Minister emphasised.

In 2017 , projects were executed amounting to approximately $185.3M under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP), on construction and other developmental works at No. 76 Village Park in Corriverton; Lethem Declaration Park; Hosororo Green Space in Mabaruma; Esplanade Park in New Amsterdam; Sparta Recreation Park in Anna Regina; Golden Beach Boulevard in Bartica; Linden Centennial Park ( Phase 1), Rose Hall Green Park at Williamsburg and the Rehabilitation of Kitty Market (Phase 1).

An additional $193M has been earmarked under the CIIP, in 2018, for continued developmental works in townships and other local authorities. Projects to be done include the construction of the Lethem Town Hall, Development of Linden Centennial Park (Phase 2), construction of a smart stop in each municipality, construction of a sanitary block at Mon Repos Market, development of the Annandale Market Tarmac and green space, development of Aranaputa Sports Complex and the upgrading of community centre grounds at Skeldon, Rose Hall, Albion, Blairmont, Enmore, Wales and Uitvlugt.

Beneficiary councils have expressed appreciation for central government’s gesture and goodwill and residents in the respective areas are excited with the developments.