– Regional Chairman says

REGIONAL Chairman Vickchand Ramphal is optimistic that the agriculture-based village of Big Biaboo benefitted from recent developments to enhance the locals’ lives.

He has been serving in the capacity for seven years, and during this time, a lot of services were provided to the region despite challenges in dispensing resources.

Vickchand disclosed that Region Five has the largest portion of rice cultivation, and they are also noted for being number one when it comes to livestock, cattle and poultry rearing.

“This is a region with great potential because of the vast rice lands and pasture, but there is also a need for maintenance of the lands, roads and drainage,” he said.

He reported that they are reviewing resources from central government to improve the sector, and infrastructure will be upgraded since the farmers have some issues.

Vickchand told the Pepperpot Magazine that the Little Biaboo Primary School and the Health Centre in the same village will be upgraded for the people.

The Regional Chairman added that Region Five has received a lot of benefits for the past two years since the new administration took office, and they remain a top priority.

The region saw the construction of a new bridge connecting Little and Big Biaboo and remedial works done to upgrade the De Hoop Branch Road, which leads to the village, he said.

Ramphal added that there is the continuation of the Guyana Power and Light network in Big Biaboo, where utility poles and distribution lines were installed.

He reported that electricity was also installed in sections of the village, and works are ongoing to ensure all households benefit from a potable water supply.

Ramphal explained that it has been on the government’s agenda to provide all necessary services to the people of the region, and they will do so in time.

He disclosed that G$100M has been allocated for upgrading of the De Hoop Branch Road, that is, the main access road and that process is at the tendering stage.

Ramphal added that drainage and irrigation are being looked at, and new canals network is expected to be put into motion within the community as being one of the hardest hit during last year’s flooding.

He stated that continuous drainage and irrigation works are being done, so that the people can continue to farm and rear livestock, cattle and poultry as part of their livelihoods without being disrupted as a direct result of flooding.

The regional official told the Pepperpot Magazine that resources were given for farmers to re-plant after the flood, and the administration is working with them to ensure that their incomes are secured.

Ramphal pointed out that the health centre at Little Biaboo will be upgraded to the tune of G$5M.

This year, Big Biaboo, at least a section benefitted from electricity and another 3.5 miles of all-weather road will be done to enhance the lives of the people living in Big Biaboo and the last village, Grass Hook.

The current dirt road is flooded and very muddy after the dirt was scooped out and removed without it being sand-filled, making it impassable to access a section of Big Biaboo.

Ramphal resides at District 10, that is, within the De Hoop Branch Road and was schooled in the area until he attended the Helena Primary School, after which he completed his secondary education at Bygeval Secondary School.

He went on to attend university in Cuba and upon his successful completion, he worked with several ministries and in 2015, he was elected Regional Chairman, Region Five.

Ramphal has been serving the community since and visited Big Biaboo Village on Monday, where he engaged farmers during a roadside meeting at the newly constructed bridge in the village.

Many issues affecting framers were raised, and their concerns will be addressed eventually, Ramphal promised.

A second visit is expected to take place with the engineer to rectify works to the newly constructed bridge, and road works will commence after the tendering process is completed and the contract has been awarded to a private contractor.

During this visit, a walkabout is on the cards and villagers will also engage the team to air their concerns.