KINGSTON - Hon. David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure (MPI), revealed that sidewalks will be constructed along the main access road in Corriverton, Region Six (Upper Berbice/Upper Corentyne) before the end of May 2016.
He was at the time speaking at opening ceremony of the town’s 45th anniversary, exhibition and fair, held at Republic Square on Saturday, October 31, 2015.
“I have met with your Councilors and they have proposed the initiative, so before our 50th anniversary next year the sidewalks will be done,” Minister Patterson stated.
A commitment was also made to farmers, who have inundated the Minister to upgrade the access road from the fields to the market.
The Minister told the gathering that outstanding roads and sea defenses projects are expected to be completed by the end of the year and added that, “Any excess funds we have, I will ensure the road is resurfaced.”
Under the Government’s ‘Urban Renewal Programme’, a transformation of the rice producing town will gain prominence, the Minister said, which will include the rehabilitation of roads and stellings.
He challenged the residents to work along with their Councilors to present projects that are unique to their township, adding “you have a Minster who is driven and willing to develop Corriverton.”
Ample electricity
Hon Patterson acknowledged that electricity and energy, which falls under MPI, have always been an issue in Region 6.
Against this backdrop, he indicated that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is currently rehabilitating two engines under the Skeldon Electricity Inc (SEI) programme, which when completed will see residents receiving adequate power supply.
“The Finnish company Warstilla has been contracted to operate and maintain the SEI and its engineers are currently affecting repairs to the No. 1 and 2 generator sets. I was duly informed that by mid December the repairs will be completed,” the Minster stated.
Meanwhile, Hon. Dawn Hastings, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, noted that her Ministry is fully supportive of Corriverton’s Interim Management Committee (IMC) and urged its Councilors to work together for the betterment of the citizens.
“Ensure residents enjoy rich cultural and social lives in addition to maintaining, improving and protecting the environment,” she added.
Being a border town with Suriname, President of Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abraham Subnauth pointed to that fact that first impressions count. “So I am calling on Hon. Patterson to invest in our town,” he stated.
Following the opening ceremony, Minster Patterson flipped the switch, to the awe of residents, to the newly renovatedCorriverton publicmonument now brightly lit and surrounded by a fountain.
The celebration was observed under the theme “National cooperation through cohesion and enterprise.”
