–as government pushes roads, landings and creek upgrades

THE government has announced a package of infrastructural interventions for Region One, including two new generators aimed at providing 24-hour electricity to the Moruca sub-region, upgrades to key road links, and expanded river landings to keep pace with growing traffic.
Addressing residents during a cabinet outreach in Santa Rosa, President Dr Irfaan Ali said a contract had already been awarded for new generation capacity to ensure the community is not left behind in the wider national transformation.
“Only last week we have awarded the contract for two new generators that will come here in your subregion to give you 24 hours electricity because we want you to be part of the transformation that is taking place.”
He said the additional generators would allow the authorities to expand their ability to serve households and businesses.
“Those two generators will allow us to expand our capacity in better serving the people of this subregion.”
ROAD TO KWEBANA AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
The Head of State reaffirmed an election promise to build the road to Kobana, saying works would both open access and unlock new economic activity along the corridor.
“I know one of the important things that we have been talking about is the road to Kwebana, and I want to assure you that we are going to commence that road and complete that road as we have committed to during the elections, and not only completing this road in Kwebana, but looking at every opportunity that can be created along the road, whether it’s opportunity for housing, whether it’s opportunity for agriculture, whether it’s opportunity for poultry, whether it’s opportunity for hydroponics, whatever opportunity we can build along these investment, you can be assured that we’ll make these investment.”
Separately, Housing Minister Collin Croal reminded residents that the administration had pledged to connect mainland communities with concrete roads and extend the network out to the landing.
“We will ensure that all of the communities here, on the mainland, will be connected by concrete roads, and we will also build out a road that will take you all the way to Kwebana Landing. Every year, you see progressively more extensive works being done, and that is what we want you to understand, too: our word is our commitment, and what we say, we will deliver on.”
CREEK DREDGING AND LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE
The President also highlighted ongoing works to maintain waterways critical for hinterland transport, including the dredging of the 99 Turn Creek.
He said local contractors involved in drainage and irrigation would be engaged on a more stable basis.
“We also want to have the local persons here who are engaged in DNI work to have the ability to be part of this programme. So we’re going to sign long-term contracts with those persons in terms of keeping and maintaining the creeks and the other areas of transport.”

EXPANDING LANDINGS AT CHARITY AND KUMAKA
River transport infrastructure is also being overhauled, with a new landing under construction at Charity and plans to expand the existing facility at Kumaka, which officials say is now inadequate for the volume of boats and goods.
“When I came here the last time, I promised you that we’re going to have a landing in Charity, and that is under construction. But I am told by your leaders that the existing landing here now has become inadequate because of the growth that is taking place. So let us discuss how we expand that landing, how we can create more opportunities at that landing.”
Framing the range of projects from roads and landings to creek dredging and expanded power supply, the President told residents the changes were part of a phased effort to replace outdated infrastructure and support a higher quality of life.
“I want to show you that as we continue to develop, we are phasing out old infrastructure… With our government, you can be assured of greater support. You can be assured of a listening government. You can be assured of a government that will continuously work towards your improvement.
He added that even the nature of complaints from residents had changed as projects progressed.