President reveals that over $5B spent on hinterland infrastructure, development to date

Government declared that more than $5B has been expended to support infrastructure and development across hinterland communities to date.

President, Irfaan Ali had made the disclosure, during his address at the 56th Independence Anniversary celebration in Anna Regina, Region Two. Ali said that the government has always been committed to investing heavily in bridging the gap between the coast and hinterland, to ensure citizens on both sides enjoy similar standards of living.

“The loggers, the miners, the communities can all benefit from this transformative agenda that we have embarked on,” residents along the Essequibo Coast were told by Ali. The President stressed that Government has also made an investment of close to $17B in the water sector, which now provides first time access to reliable water to over 35,000 people, in less than two years.

Ali disclosed that in excess of 20 new wells have been dug in hinterland communities alone, providing service to some 20,000 people, significantly increasing the coverage of reliable water by 60 percent. The president disclosed that government has undertaken a national journey to transform lives, building national prosperity, and enhancing the welfare of citizens.

“This is the type of work your government has embarked on, not only to bring relief and immediate benefit, but more importantly to ensure we create the opportunities that will have us live in a sustainable environment for the future,” Ali explained. The Head of state reiterated that works have commenced on road links between villages and regions. He spoke about the move to link Wauna to Mabaruma and other areas, hinting intentions to upgrade thoroughfares across the Matarkai sub districts, as well.

Ali noted that major infrastructural works are coming to South Rupununi, while connection of roads between Regions Eight and Nine are in the pipe line. The President assured that his administration has commenced work on surveys and clearing the alignment for the Timehri/Bartica and the Parika/Goshen Road links.

“For us, growth is much more than an economic indicator. Real growth must uplift all the people of our country together in to prosperity, every family must rise and enjoy the development that is going to take place,” Ali stressed. President Ali declared that Guyana now has a government that is responsive, responsible and proactive in making the right policies for the nation’s transformation.