“THAT the former Administration has neglected Region 10 is an understatement,” said regional Member of Parliament Audwyn Rutherford, who noted that Budget 2015 addresses from the unborn to the deceased. During the National Budget debate Monday evening, the regional representative outlined several extensive projects that will enhance the lives of the citizens of Region 10 which are catered for in the budget.
In the area of health, $18M will be spent on the construction of incinerators at Muritaro, Coomacka, Sand Hills and Ebini Health Posts, and the extension of the One Mile and Amelia’s Ward Health Centre. Further, these health centres will be better equipped to serve the people of Region 10, as $8M was allocated for water and land transportation, and $19.9M to purchase neonatal ventilators, ultrasound machines and other special apparatus. This, Rutherford said, will support the Government’s thrust in building sustainable communities and a stronger region.
Rutherford noted that unemployment in Region 10 is at an all-time high, with the recent retrenchment at Bosai, declining gold prices, and recently uncovered unfair practices in the mining sector. “As such, in an effort to strengthen the capacity of unions to better represent the rights of workers, $19M has been budgeted for this nationally,” he highlighted.
The main economic activities of Region 10 continue to be forestry, mining and quarrying. The Member of Parliament pointed out that with the financial rebirth of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), these sectors will be strengthened. Small and medium-scale miners will also benefit from duty-free concessions on certain mining equipment. This will aid in reducing production costs and creating a level playing field.
Referring to the thriving forestry sector, which grew by 14% in 2014, Rutherford emphasised that citizens of the region also welcomed the intent to encourage investors with downstream value-added industries, which will create employment to boost the local economy. For the promotion of furniture and other value-added products in the region, the sum of $80M of the region’s capital expenditure and $544.42M will aid in better management training at the Guyana Forestry Commission. Small loggers will also benefit from training.
Rutherford informed the House that over the last three years, the previous Administration chose to rent a vehicle for the previous regional chairman to use. He said this should come to an end, as $11.5M was allocated for land and water transport for the regional administration to better carry out its duties. Ten million dollars was also allocated for the purchase of generator, computer, printers and photocopiers and other equipment.
The sum of $41.18M was allocated to improve access and the completion of bridges and revetments of Mabura and Rockstone roads. Ten million dollars will also be expended for improving drainage systems in several areas, and for other key infrastructural works.
In the area of education, the Member of Parliament noted that the region’s populace is looking forward to the possible re-opening of the Linden branch of the Critchlow Labour College, with the restoration of its subvention. The Linden Technical Institute will also receive $23.17M to complete its automotive workshop, purchase furniture, tools and equipment. The sum of $57.5M will also be spent on works at the Mackenzie High and Christianburg Secondary Schools, while $13.5 will be spent for the purchase of school furniture.