-says Minister Indar

Acknowledging the rapid transformation taking place in every community in Guyana, it is reported that the Eccles $39.5 million developmental project is making satisfactory progress. The Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, conducted an inspection on Cowpen Street on Monday.

The minister provided an explanation regarding the initiative to construct a 90-metr rigid pavement concrete road and drains in the East Bank of Demerara community. This project is a direct result of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s commitment made during one of his outreaches in December.

In accordance with Minister Indar, the primary goal of the President is to enhance the lives of all Guyanese and ensure the inclusion of every region in Guyana’s substantial development endeavors.

He shared, “President Ali continues his mission to better the lives of all Guyanese, through community development and his other initiatives, and we at the Ministry of Public Works are working to ensure that these initiatives are realised.”

“I remembered when the President visited this community (Eccles), he was dissatisfied with the state of the drains and the massive amount of garbage and old vehicles that were lying on the roadways and in the drains. However, today I am pleased to say that the work is progressing nicely, and as we can all see, there is a vast difference with the ongoing development,” he related.

Similar to other communities undergoing improvements, both ongoing and completed, Minister Indar emphasised the priority given to Eccles residents in terms of meaningful employment opportunities offered by the contractors within the village.

He noted, “From inception, President Ali has made it clear that these projects are not only for building the infrastructure, but through these initiatives, we are ensuring that jobs are created for the people within their respective communities. It is our belief that the locals should be given the first opportunity to be employed, and as a government, we have stayed true to that commitment.”

Furthermore, Minister Indar also stated that he conducted a visit and inspection of the $166 million road construction project currently underway in La Penitence along the Sideline Dam on Monday. As per his account, he needed to engage in conversations with several local residents regarding the dismantling of their structures, which were built directly on the reserve and obstructed the project’s path.

“The 1520-metre, rigid pavement concrete road project is a commitment of Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo to the residents of the community,” Indar added.

Finally, Minister Indar reiterated that “the goal is to visit all communities throughout the country and hear from the residents to determine their specific requirements. Yes, we are doing the general work, but we are also listening to the people who live in these communities. We are taking the government to the people, and they are telling us what is bothering them or what they need to benefit their lives as a village, and we take pride in that.”

During his visit to Eccles last December, President Ali elucidated in his discourse to the locals that while a community may receive progressive development projects, it is incumbent upon the residents to uphold these initiatives.

According to him, “I’m concerned with the whole of Eccles. The drainage situation, I think, is ridiculous; we have to deal with it. You have a lot of irresponsibility from residents themselves. You know, development has to involve everyone; everyone has to take responsibility. You can’t be dumping old cars in the drains; you can’t be destroying reserves,” he said, while emphasising that everyone bears some degree of accountability.