RESIDENTS of Prospect New Housing Scheme, East Bank of Demerara (EBD) were on Sunday joined by Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, for a tree-planting exercise under the Prospect Phase One Community Aesthetic Enhancement Project.

Residents were each given two plants, an oleander plant and a fruit tree of their choice, which were donated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), to be sowed as part of the community beautification project.

According to a CH&PA press release, during the exercise Croal pronounced on the activity’s significance as it relates to enhancing the environment and strengthening community involvement; he also informed the residents that important lessons pertaining to taking care of the environment and sustainability are ingrained in such activities.

“While Community Development Projects are simple, they are meaningful and impactful; they are geared at strengthening communities and ensuring that you’re resilient and sustainable,” he is quoted as saying, while highlighting the importance of community involvement as key stakeholders in building cohesive and sustainable communities.

Minister Coral was joined by CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sherwyn Greaves and the CH&PA Community Development Department.

Greaves shared similar sentiments as the minister and highlighted that the exercise will be replicated in other communities. He added that the CH&PA is beyond just building new housing areas, but equally important is building wholesome communities with safe spaces, the press release noted.

Also present at the activity was Priscilla Brummell, District Crop Extension Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Deputy Director of the CH&PA’s Community Development Department, who spearheaded the activity.

Residents were also told of the ministry’s plan to address the issue of cattle freely roaming the area as plans are in place for relocation.