-bridge, improved drainage and agricultural support on the cards

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, has assured residents of Dartmouth, Region Two, that their concerns will be addressed promptly.
The Minister made this commitment during a community engagement held on Tuesday, where he listened to a range of issues raised by residents of Darthmouth.

One of the major concerns highlighted was the urgent need for a new bridge to provide access to rice fields. A resident explained that, currently, farmers are forced to swim across a canal to reach their farmlands, posing serious risks to their safety and livelihood.

Minister Indar immediately instructed the Region’s engineer to conduct an on-site assessment. National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) engineer, Nanram Narine, estimated the construction of the bridge to cost approximately $36 million. Minister Indar noted that the matter will be taken up with both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Public Works to ensure collaboration and funding.
Additionally, residents requested the deployment of a long boom excavator to clear major drainage channels within the community. Minister Indar approved the request on the spot, promising that the machinery would be

dispatched shortly. Another resident called attention to a clogged trench, to which the Minister responded that an assessment will also be carried out.
Concerns were also raised regarding persistent flooding and the impact on livestock and cash crop farming. Minister Indar requested that a detailed assessment be conducted to document the extent of the damage and assist affected farmers.

He noted that the Government remains committed to supporting the agriculture sector and that similar issues raised by farmers in other regions have already received intervention.
The Minister also addressed the issue of the deteriorated sluice doors in Dartmouth. He assured residents that assessments would be carried out to determine the need for replacement, as proper drainage infrastructure remains vital for protecting farmland and residences.

Another proposal made by the community was the construction of a cross dam to aid in farming activities. Minister Indar emphasised the importance of accountability in public spending, stating, “Whenever money is spent, it must benefit the people directly.” He added that several ministries will coordinate efforts to address the issues raised.

Minister Indar reminded the gathering that the Government of Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to serve the people and to develop communities across the country.
“We are here to listen, assess, and act. Your concerns matter, and they will be addressed,” he said.

Residents expressed appreciation for the government’s engagement. “We are happy that our concerns are being addressed, and it will be done in a timely manner. Our community needs this, and we want it to happen,” said one resident.