Electricity, improved roads for Parika backdam residents

Minister of Public Works, Hon. Deodat Indar has said close to 150 households in Washington Scheme (Parika backdam), Region Three, will receive electricity for the first time before year end.

Several roads in the community will also be upgraded.

The Minster made these announcements during an outreach to the area on Sunday.

He plans to return to the community this week with Chairman of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Mr. Jaideo Sokhoo, and a team from the Guyana Power and Light Company to conduct an assessment in preparation for powering the area.

“I see you already have a network running close by so providing the service is an easy task. I can tell you that you will get the electricity within the next two months,” Minister Indar said.

The land at Washington Scheme, which is privately owned, was made available to the residents in 2005. They were given permission to take up residency and will eventually own the piece of land they occupy through a legal procedure. Mr. Sokhoo said the NDC has greenlighted this arrangement.

Minister Indar said the major projects will start as soon as the lands are legally transferred.

With regards to the road works, Parika Main Road junction to the first koker and two internal streets are among those to be rehabilitated.

The Minister also assured residents that he will follow up on their concerns about access to water with his ministerial colleagues at the Ministry of Housing and Water.

Meanwhile, approximately 100 households benefited from hampers from members of the private sector.

Chairman of Region Three, Mr. Ishan Ayube; Vice-Chairman, Mr.  Omesh Satyanand, and Regional Executive Officer, Mr.  Jagnarine Somwar also attended the outreach.