PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday outlined clear and structured plans for Orealla and Siparuta in Region Six, which include the building of an all-weather road from Moleson Creek to Orealla and internal concrete streets in the two riverine communities.

 

President Ali who met with residents and supporters from both villages separately on Thursday, stressed that his government has been consistent in its care for the country and its citizens’ growth and development.   “We have been coming consistently. Not only do we care about your development, but we want you to understand that we are here for your development.”

 

Turning his attention to the riverine communities and the investments that are in store, he said that it is important to ensure that they are connected to the government system. As such, he pledged the construction of government offices in the two villages which will provide passport services among others.

 

He later explained that in the modern Guyana that is being built, communities must be connected and developments seen in every corner.

 

“The time has come for us to build these infrastructures in the villages, so that they can get the services right in the village,” he said before emphasising his optimism for a future that is different, “a future that will give you high quality life, a future that will give you service.”

 

Further, the President in his spirited address to the large gathering at Orealla said that the PPP/C manifesto, which was recently launched, includes large scale investments and plans for the country. Outside of that, he said there is a regional plan in which key issues will be addressed.

 

Regarding Orealla, infrastructure, health, education, women, children, agriculture and community development plans are included in that document.

 

Noting that the PPP/C has been around for 75 years, President Ali pointed out that he visited Orealla for the first time when he was 17 years old as part of an initiative that focused on the delivery of sewing machines to residents.

 

He further stated that the government is investing in the lives of its citizens through direct transfers, while continuing to work to develop every sector.

 

In terms of river transportation, President Ali said that associated costs must be reduced, and he used the opportunity to inform residents that the next PPP/C government’s plans include duty-free motor engines for those living in riverine communities.

 

He announced that his government will also build a cargo vessel to service both Orealla and Siparuta.

 

According to President Ali, not only will his new government build a four-lane road from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek and a bridge across the Corentyne River, but it will also work to complete an all-weather road from Moleson Creek to Orealla.

 

He then said that in the next budget, provisions will be included for internal concrete roads in Orealla with the contractors being selected from that village. “I want the money to remain in Orealla,” he stressed.

 

According to him, the next government under his leadership will invest in the purchasing of ransoms and other construction equipment for the residents who will build the roads, so as to develop their capabilities to carry out such projects.

 

Work will also be done to increase the electricity delivery system from five hours to 24 hours.

 

He said currently, the cost to power the electricity system is high and efforts will be made to reduce that fuel costs in the next budget.

 

“While we are working in the long term for this 24-hour electricity, in the next budget they will assist with the cost of half of the 180 barrels of fuel so that the cost of electricity in the village will be cut by half instantly,” he said.

 

President Ali mentioned the water woes and assured residents that the government has been taking steps to fix this. He informed residents that an international company will soon visit the area to do a ground water study with Orealla and Siparuta being the first villages. Such a study will help identify the ideal location for the drilling of a well so that water can be provided to both villages on a 24-hour basis. “I am confronting the issues”, he assured residents.

 

Stressing that Amerindians are hardworking, President Ali said that resources will be transferred directly to families so that they can build and improve their homes.

 

Developing cold storage capabilities within the Orealla community is among the plans outlined and according to President Ali, attention is being given to this to help villagers extend the shelf life of the products they produce.

 

He said that the recreational facilities will also be improved. “These are the things we are [bringing] to the people, not a handout or a cash payout for your vote, but to build a future where you will be secured.”

 

As the September 1 General and Regional Elections draw closer, residents were eager to interact with President Ali and listen to the plans he and his party have crafted for them.