Residents excited about the project

By Indrawattie Natram
THE Good Hope/Supenaam area in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam,) which is the main port of entry to the region from the Essequibo River, will see an increase of business activities and a high influx of visitors in April when the multimillion-dollar Supenaam Waterfront Development Project is completed. The project poses great opportunities especially for the local businesses and tourism and will transform the entire landscape and outlook of the area.

Thus far, the 88 million Guyana dollar project which is executed by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC), is 65 per cent completed. During a visit to the site, Civil Engineer attached to the project Collin Gittens said that so far works are moving apace. Gittens recalled the “dilapidated”, “unorganised” stelling that was at the port of entry in the past. He said that the construction of the Waterfront Development Project will add value to Essequibo tourism, since it will create a gateway of opportunities for the local people.

Contractor Doodnauth Samaroo has thus far completed the river defence works. There were other contractors that were contracted to build the vending units and to conduct other works around the Supenaam area. This was done through a tender process.

In the coming months, works will be done on the boat docking, the parking area, the installation of lights and the construction of the road leading to the location.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Currently, there are several vending units that are being created. These vending units will encourage a more organised vending, and will offer tourist various culinary taste to visitors. Some of the units will accommodate vegetable vendors, food vendors and even an Information Desk to guide visitors. Previously vendors using makeshift stalls were scattered vendors around the area.

Farmers from the indigenous community of Bethany, would be able to display their fresh produce in a more comfortable and organised manner, when the project is completed.

Residents are already feeling positive about the project and according to a teacher from the area, Mahindra Sharma, he thinks the project will add glory to the Supenaam area. When asked why he said so, he said that the Supenaam area is the most used port of entry and attracts a large number of visitors. Sharma said the past structure was an “eyesore” for such a beautiful region. He is happy that the Government of Guyana and the Region Two administration have embarked on the project- one that will be inherited by generations to come.

Another resident living close to the Supenaam area, Mohabir Roger Persaud, said that the project will add completion to the region’s tourism and with the recent establishment of the Region’s Tourism Association it will have a positive impact. Persaud, who is currently studying Law, said that Region Two has a lot to offer as a tourist destination and with the right resources and improved infrastructure, the entire region can soon become its own economic hub. He, too, was happy for the project and anticipates its completion.

The project is intended to have a new passenger-waiting and paved, parking areas, organised vending spaces with standardised shops, a paved waterfront promenade with rails, shaded public seating and lighting. The project was considered by the ministry after they recognised the importance of the Supenaam Terminal of Guyana’s River Transport link. The current infrastructure required spatial enhancements in an effort to foster business opportunities as a leading port of entry.

Senior Engineer from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure/Sea and River Defence, Jermaine Braithwaite, in a previous interview had said the major elements of the enhancement project include the Rehabilitation/Upgrade to the existing main road at Supenaam waterfront; construction of a new anchored steel sheet pile revetment (75m) and rehabilitation to existing SSP revetment; paved waterfront promenade with rails; shaded public seating; decorative lighting; construction of new passenger waiting/boating landing structure designed for mooring of multiple boats; organised vending spaces with standardised shops and seating provisions to be managed through the RDC/NDC; seating and sanitary facilities; improvements of amenities and facilities for waiting passengers, as well as parking spaces.

Prior to the project, there were several consultations where residents, members of the businesses community and the members from the Good/Hope Supenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) raised several concerns. Some of the concerns were toilets for disabled persons; structure to accommodate arrival and departure; promotion of tourism by highlighting local produce; parking for taxi’s and other vehicles; relocation of the Amerindian Hostel and Guyana Forestry Commission; relocation of vendors to allow construction; garbage disposal; solar panels on roofs; installation of solar panels along walkways and GFC request for a boathouse, were some of the amendments residents would desire to be included in the project.

According to engineers, most of the recommendations made by the residents have been included in the project.