IN an enlightening conversation with the Guyana Chronicle, Mayor Devin Mohan of Anna Regina, Essequibo, provided a fresh perspective on the town’s trajectory, focusing not only on immediate infrastructure developments but also on a forward-looking commitment to green initiatives and sustainable growth.

Mayor Mohan discussed the work done in the township and their plans moving forward as the relatively new council is working towards continued development, particularly in the town’s infrastructure sector.

Among the new infrastructure work is the addition of the bridge that will serve as a linkage point to the town of Anna Regina and the village of Henrietta.

The mayor explained that “construction of the bridge started in August last year and is completed. This will link Anna Regina to Henrietta.”

He continued to elaborate that the progress of infrastructure in the area will have extensive implications.

He stated that “the bridge has had a major impact in terms of accessibility. It will also ease traffic congestion. Infrastructure work will also create jobs for the young people in the region.”

The mayor went on to cite the upgrade of roads in the municipality, stating that, “In the municipality, some of the streets that were mud and so on were upgraded to asphalt.”

Regarding the matter of funding, Mayor Mohan revealed that all town projects are funded exclusively through the annual subvention granted by the central government.

He stated: “It is being done under the $18 million dollar subvention, and that is a yearly something. We would use that to do developmental works like infrastructure work in the municipality.”

Following the completion of the Henrietta bridge, the mayor and town council have implemented a forward-looking developmental plan. The mayor clarifies that, in an endeavor to allocate funds in the community’s best interest, they will streamline projects.

The mayor stated that “the municipality has a strategic plan moving forward for this year. We also have a budget, which is a subvention from the central government. What we did was streamline projects for each constituency, and we have eight constituencies. And that will be projects like streets, culverts, and so on.”

The mayor expressed commendation for the governments and anticipates ongoing relations. Additionally, he acknowledged the residents’ contribution to community development, emphasising the significance of community meetings and consultations to gather their desires and needs.