RESIDENTS as well as passengers utilising the speed boat services at Supenaam are loud in their praise of the government for competing for the final stage of the multimillion-dollar Supenaam Waterfront Development Project.

Currently, workmen are on site making a bitumen pathway enhancing the surrounding of the project. This newspaper understands that it is the final phase of the project.
Prior to the commencement of the project, three consultations were conducted within the region where residents were given an opportunity to air their concerns.
At the various consultations, stakeholders were anxious about the project and indicated their support.

Vice-Chairman of the Good Hope-Supenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Arnold Adams related that the residents of Essequibo are excited about the project. He said when the construction is finished it will boost tourism in the region.

Adams said the project was welcome by everyone including the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and residents.

Residents had made several recommendations for the project. These include land reclamation, toilets for disabled persons, structure to accommodate arrival and departure, promotion of tourism by highlighting local produce, parking for taxis and other vehicles, relocation of the Amerindian Hostel and Guyana Forestry Commission, relocation of vendors to allow construction, garbage disposal, solar panels on roofs and installation of solar panels along walkways.

According to civil engineer attached to the project, Collin Gittens, most of the recommendations made by residents have already been included in the project.
The contractor for the project was Doodnauth Samaroo.

The project cost the government in excess of $88 million. It currently boasts a new passenger waiting, paved parking areas, organised vending spaces with standardised shops, 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 to Guyana’s river transport link. The current infrastructure required spatial enhancements in an effort to foster business opportunities as a leading port of entry. The enhancement project includes 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 resentment.