MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal has unveiled plans for a new housing and water development in the Mabaruma sub-district, Region One.

The minister was at the time elaborating on government’s plans for each administrative region, at a flag-raising ceremony in Mabaruma to mark Guyana’s 54th Republic Anniversary.

According to the ministry, Minister Croal said: “Right here at Mabaruma we will be developing a new housing area, as similarly done (at) Kokerite Hall Hill.”

He then pointed out that under the Hinterland Housing Programme, the construction of houses is ongoing at several villages. These are: Smith Creek, Arukamai, Imbotero, Savannah Blackwater, Warapoka, Hairamuni, Arakaka, Baramita, and Canal Bank.

Late last year, the first 10 houses constructed under the project, were handed over to families at Kokerite in Mabaruma by Minister Croal. Moreover, it was also reported that massive investments were made in the water sector there, to bring clean water to communities in the hinterland within the past three years.

In the Mabaruma sub-district, several villages would have benefitted from potable water and the construction of a new well which was completed at the Mabaruma Settlement, with several new wells set to be drilled this year, the Housing Ministry said.

Wells are targeted to be completed in the Matarkai sub-district, as well as an evaluation of wells in the Moruca sub-district.

Meanwhile, on the table for 2025 is the Mabaruma Water Treatment Plant.

The minister shed light on a range of advancements in Region One, highlighting the improvements in education which included new schools; employment opportunities, upgraded healthcare facilities, the construction of roads, and agricultural support to farmers.
Moreover, approximately 77 villages were beneficiaries of a $2.57 billion in development grants since 2020.

The minister also pointed out that the construction of an $88.6 million state-of-the-art gymnasium is underway at Mabaruma.