VILLAGES located in the Upper Berbice River in Region 10 have been enjoying unprecedented development in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and communication.

For 2019, these communities were on par with Linden, in relation to development and have been in no way neglected by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Government Ministries.

Not only is travel access to these communities easier, with the necessary infrastructure now in place, but their ability to make outside contact and keep abreast with current affairs has also been significantly improved, with the installation of Wi-Fi stations in these various communities by the Ministry of Telecommunication. The villages of Wiruni, Ebini, DeVeldt and Kimbia are among those that have benefited from this provision and not only has it boosted communication, but the teaching and learning have been significantly improved as well.

As opposed to the past, these communities can now be accessed in less time as a result of the newly constructed farm-to-market road, stretching from Millies Hide Out in Linden to as far as Kimbia. The traditional route through the Linden to Kwakwani trail has also been improved with the rehabilitation and maintenance of the trail. Now it takes approximately two hours, as opposed to five, to get to Kwakwani.

These communities, known primarily for agriculture, now have a better chance of boosting their economies, since farmers now have better access to markets in Linden as well as other regions. Farmers are now receiving technical support from the RDC Agricultural Department and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute ( NAREI). These communities are also enjoying better access to reliable water supply through the intervention of Guyana Water Incorporated.

In the health sector, residents are benefiting from improved services at either spanking new health centres or rehabilitated ones. A $22M state-of-the-art health centre has been constructed in Wiruni and will be commissioned soon. This will also benefit neighbouring villages in the Berbice River. This is one of three health centres to be constructed in hinterland communities in Region 10.

The other two were constructed in Ituni and Mabura. Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon, said that these health centres will be provided with the relevant medical personnel and sufficient drugs. Residents also now have better access to medical transfers, when serious cases arise. This was made possible with the provision of the multi-million dollar river ambulance that now services these riverain communities.

As regards community infrastructure, these communities have also had their equal share of roads and bridges, as did communities in Linden. The REO also confirmed that millions of dollars have been expended on social programmes, benefiting residents through the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) and the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED). While the RDC has played its part, various ministries have also contributed significantly to development in these communities, thus ensuring that residents’ lives are improved. “They are much better off in terms of these facilities in those areas and we are very thankful for the assistance which has been given in these circumstances,” Gordon said.