THE Soesdyke Post Office, which provides service to hundreds of residents, has received extensive upgrades which will allow it to serve its customers efficiently. The rehabilitation to the facility was in keeping with the government’s mandate of providing quality services.
The construction work on the brand-new state-of-the-art building commenced on June 4 and was completed on October 29, 2019, at the cost of $21M. The single-flat commercial structure has approximately 810 square feet of usable space and is equipped with the necessary amenities for a public building, including features that can accommodate access by persons with disabilities.

At a small dedication ceremony on Thursday morning, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Post Office Corporation, Rev. Dr. Murtland Raphael Massiah said the commissioning of the new outpost was a “significant step” for the company. He described the old facility as deplorable. He recalled that when it became known to him that dedicated employees were working in those conditions, he vowed that this situation had to be changed.

The director reminded those present that the work of the Guyana Post Office (GPO) was second to none. “I want to report that the Post Office enjoys a level of efficiency that I would dare many organisations to meet… We delivered 98% of mail that we processed,” he disclosed.

Also present at the opening was Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes, who noted her satisfaction with the rehabilitation of the post office. She said the project was among many undertaken by the government as it continued to deliver superb services to all Guyanese. “There is no question. We know where we started prior to 2015, and therefore, I feel I have every right to stand up and say I am proud that we have started a process of fixing and restoring and building so that our citizens can benefit from these opportunities.”

According to the minister, space has been allocated for a new ICT hub and the wifi connections have been installed. She noted that residents, especially school children, can make use of the free service. “I am letting you know that the students who may not have the internet at home can come with their phones, tablets and laptops and get free internet access to enhance their education… This also makes it possible for us to conduct business easier at the Post Office.”

Minister Hughes said her ministry was on a mission to refurbish each postal service outpost throughout Guyana. Among the post offices rehabilitated are Kitty – Georgetown, New Amsterdam – Berbice, Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast, and Wismar in Linden. The Plaisance Post Office is currently being constructed, while the one at Buxton is next on the list. (DPI)