By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
AS anticipation grows, the Model Village Initiative launched by President, Dr Irfaan Ali, is expected to significantly enhance the development of Region Six by transforming communities into safer, cleaner, more modern and economically vibrant spaces, according to Member of Parliament Zamal Hussain.
During a recent interview, Hussain said the initiative represents another major step in the government’s development agenda for East Berbice-Corentyne, with several communities in the region identified to benefit from comprehensive upgrades.
The initiative goes beyond traditional infrastructural development, focusing on an integrated approach that includes improved roads and drainage, recreational facilities, green spaces, security, markets, economic opportunities and other essential community services.
In Region Six, consultations have already been held at Port Mourant, Rose Hall, Skeldon/Line Path and New Amsterdam, with individual development plans proposed for the communities.
Hussain noted that the initiative has the potential to further accelerate the transformation already taking place across the region, while improving the overall quality of life for thousands of residents.
Among the major proposals are the modernisation of approximately 609 acres at Port Mourant, including upgrades to 102 roads covering some 21 kilometres. Rose Hall is also earmarked for improvements to roads, drainage, utilities and recreational spaces.
Meanwhile, New Amsterdam and Skeldon are also expected to benefit from significant upgrades, including a modern municipal market, vendors’ hub, improved drainage, expanded fire-hydrant coverage, recreational spaces and beautification works.
Hussain said these interventions, when combined with the major investments already being undertaken throughout Region Six, will help create more organised and sustainable communities while opening new opportunities for residents and businesses.
“The Model Village announced a few weeks ago by President Irfaan Ali is going to benefit residents, the three towns and Port Mourant as an NDC area will benefit tremendously, this will help to regularise the area in terms of drainage and also to ensure that the environment is going to look in a state where people will be more happy to relax and a more friendly environment,” Hussain stated.
He further explained that “we will be building the streets with concrete drains, we will expand the walkway, the sidewalks, we will expand green spaces, we will also look at benches in the area that there are enough spaces and we will also create spaces where people who are vending can vend in a more regularised way…”
According to the Member of Parliament, the road network with parking will also be more regularised. “You will not have people just park anywhere, there will be space that will be created to ensure that the roadsides are not blocked and this will bring so much of relief to people.”
In terms of areas with markets, Hussain said those will see upgrades as part of the initiative, “you will see better culverts, less vegetation in the canals and it will be easier to keep the villages and the town in a cleaner environment.”
Meanwhile, turning his attention to the ongoing expansion of the Corentyne Highway, which is being undertaken in three sections, Hussain described the project as another major transformative investment that will significantly improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion across Region Six.
He noted that the massive undertaking reflects the forward-thinking approach of the government under the leadership of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, as preparations are being made to accommodate the region’s continued growth and increasing economic activities.
According to Hussain, the expansion of the highway is not merely about widening the roadway, but rather government’s vision to modernise the region’s infrastructure, improve the movement of people, goods and services, and create a stronger transportation network capable of supporting future development.
He added that as investments continue to flow into housing, agriculture, tourism, business and other sectors across Region Six, modern and reliable road infrastructure will be critical to sustaining that growth and unlocking new opportunities for residents and businesses along the Corentyne corridor.
“The first asphalt was laid in the middle section and Minister Ramraj was on the project to ensure that the finishing material was being placed, and I think we are moving in a good pace: we have started the other sections which is the Palmyra area we are working there, the contractors mobilise and we already working there, start the bypass [going through] the Albion area and also in the Linepath area, so rest assured that the work is on track and we have nice weather now, you are seeing accelerated pace in the Corentyne highway.”
Hussain said the scale of development unfolding across Region Six is evidence of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the region continues to advance alongside the rest of the country.
From the expansion of the Corentyne Highway and the Model Village Initiative to investments in housing, healthcare, education, agriculture, sports and community infrastructure, he noted that the transformation is being felt across numerous sectors and communities.
Furthermore, Hussain also expressed confidence that under President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s leadership, the region will continue to see investments that improve livelihoods, create opportunities and position East Berbice-Corentyne for sustained growth.
