RESIDENTS in Herstelling, Little Diamond, Farm and other surrounding East Bank Demerara (EBD) communities, on Tuesday, were updated on a number of plans to be executed in the 2021 work programme.
Leading the outreach was Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, along with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves.
The meeting was held at the Farm Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) compound.
Through a multi-dimensional approach, the minister and CEO sought to resolve issues in the communities concerning cattle, deplorable roadways and water woes.
Present were representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
Water relief is also on the way for residents, as a new $40M well is slated to be completed at Providence, EBD.

In this regard, funds are already budgeted and resources made available to Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). A team from GWI is currently working on a project at Farm, and, upon completion, the team will commence the works in Providence.
GWI is also bringing on stream a number of filter mediums to improve water quality along the East Bank corridor. This is expected to be inline by May 2021.
An issue of cattle grazing in the communities was also raised and is expected to be addressed through the Ministry of Agriculture- Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).
Deputy CEO of GLDA, Dr. Dwight Walrond, convened a separate meeting with a number of cattle farmers in the area as they have indicated their willingness to relocate their cattle from residential areas if they are given lands for such purposes.

With regards to roadways, the 2021 Budget will see the enhancement of several thoroughfares, as part of infrastructure works from Herstelling to Mocha. Internal road upgrades are also slated for Covent Garden, Little Diamond and Farm.
Further, as part of community enhancement works, CH&PA will be installing a number of solar lights following the passage of Budget 2021. These lights will be installed in Farm, Covent Gardens and Providence.
The Ministry of Housing is also working to strengthen the presence of rangers in communities to ensure that individuals operate within all the necessary bylaws and permits.
Additionally, the CH&PA Planning Department is looking at a number of proposals to establish a market that will serve these communities. While a location has been proposed by the local NDC, the ministry will be engaging GuySuCo on the availability of the area identified.
Meanwhile, residents were also able to access services from staff of the Housing Agency as well as the Guyana Water Inc.