RESIDENTS of several East Bank Demerara communities, including Herstelling Plot ‘C’, Peter’s Hall phase.1, Providence, Perseverance, Farm, Phases 1 & 2, and Covent Garden, recently participated in a Public Disclosure meeting to unveil the findings of a comprehensive Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) Study.

This significant gathering was organised as part of the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, designating these communities as the third project site slated for infrastructure upgrades.

Under the mandate of the Inter-American Development Bank, the ESA Study diligently identified and outlined measures to manage environmental, social, health, and safety risks and impacts associated with the upcoming infrastructure development project.

The Public Disclosure meeting took place at the Providence Primary School and was efficiently facilitated by the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CHPA) Community Development Department (CDD).

Present during the event were Mr. Sunil Gopaul, Manager of the Projects Department, along with the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager, and Geographic Information System Consultant, Mr. Enrique Monize.

In a bid to uphold transparency, the external consultant and CHPA’s team of engineers and HSE professionals took centre stage, presenting crucial information and addressing inquiries from the engaged audience.

The estimated cost of the GY-L1031 project stands at a substantial US$27M. It has already led to significant housing and infrastructure advancements in several areas, including Sophia Housing (Liliendaal, Turkeyen, Pattensen, Cummings Park, Region No. 4), and the West Bank Demerara region (La Parfaite Harmonie, Schoonord, Lust-en-Rust, Rect-door-Zee, Onderneeming, and West Minister), Region No. 3.

The Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme is multifaceted, with key objectives including the provision of affordable and sustainable housing through Home Improvement (HI) subsidies and core home construction. Additionally, the programme aims to consolidate existing housing schemes, encompassing road rehabilitation, climate-resilient drainage systems, street lighting, and community facility construction. It also incorporates implementation support and institutional strengthening, including training and capacity building for project stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Mr. Sunil Gopaul, HSE Manager of Projects, delivered an overview of the programme and provided pertinent updates on the project’s status across all target sites. Notably, Mr. Bishram Kuppen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, was also in attendance, underlining the government’s commitment to improving housing and infrastructure for the benefit of the communities involved.