Stage set for greater improvements in 2001
GIS feature by M.Z. Ali
THE year 2001 opened on a note of optimism for all Guyanese.
The forerunner for this was the achievements and all-round development of the Guyanese people in the year 2000.
From the bottom to the top, the fortunate to the less fortunate, each can express that sense of satisfaction which will serve as the motivating factor for them to propel themselves into a bigger and brighter life this year.
They were ably supported in the quest for a better life by the government which, during 2000 left no stone unturned in order to make Guyana a better place for all Guyanese.
So the stage is set, the foundation is laid for all to continue in the building process which could lead to an even better life for all by the end of this year.
In 2000, the government of Guyana made more house lots, better water supply, improved health care, better and more roads, more schools and effective and reliable ferry services available to all.
The business community and manufacturing sector could also look back with a deep sense of pride to their achievements. A check with the business sector will reveal that last year was the best for business in recent years.
This sentiment is expressed by some businessmen in Georgetown and by most who operate in other parts of the country, including Parika on the East Bank Essequibo which is fast fashioning itself as one of the booming business centres in the country.
Despite unfavourable weather patterns, the agriculture sector and sub-sector also made a valuable contribution to the economy and for the uplift of all Guyanese.
All year round there were abundant supplies of fresh vegetables and fruits, ground provisions, both fresh and salt water fish, beef, pork, poultry meat and eggs, among other local food items.
Poultry meat production for last year reached 25,939,421 pounds, while 30,118,579 table eggs were produced to satisfy demands by consumers. Pork, beef, duck meat and mutton were all produced in satisfactory quantities.
Seafoods continue to play a very important role in helping to feed the nation and as a major foreign currency earner.
Some 41,250 tonnes of fish against 1,595.2 tonnes of prawns were produced in 1999. Small shrimp also recorded production figures of 12,790.8 tonnes for the same year.
Up to the end of April last year production figures for fish were 5,386.4 tonnes; prawns 521.6 tonnes; and small shrimp 3,016.3 tonnes.
Seafood exports grew from US$45.3M in 1998 to US$50.1M in 1999.
Up to the end of September last year exports of the three commodities amounted to G$5.7B.
Two of our main export commodities, sugar and rice, also made their presence felt, especially sugar, which continues to be our chief foreign currency earner.
Sugar production last year was the second highest in 18 years, scaling 273,205 tonnes.
In the area of housing, Guyanese from all walks of life can savour the fact that at long last they could own their own homes.
Last year alone, the government distributed some 22,460 house lots, bringing the total so far distributed to nearly 50,000 across Guyana.
Also last year, 22 new housing schemes were established, bringing the number of schemes established since 1993 to 91 all over Guyana.
So far, 62 of the 100 squatter areas under regularisation are in Region Three - nine; Region Four - 32, and Region Six - 21.
In Sophia in Georgetown, the regularisation process is far advanced in nine out of 10 squatter areas, and more than $100M was spent on roads, water and drainage there.
Rasville has been regularised and lots have been allocated. Lots were distributed to Tiger Bay residents, also from Georgetown, and some allottees have started relocating to the housing areas.
What has been done in the seven years of the PPP/Civic government in the area of housing has never been achieved in the entire lifetime of any other government.
But the housing story has not yet ended. The government intends to distribute more house lots this year in the ongoing exercise to comfortably house almost every Guyanese.
Potable water is now reaching most Guyanese across Guyana and plans are afoot to further improve the distribution system. Water treatment plants and pumps have been set up in several areas to serve large stretches of the population and people in some areas have seen water running from taps in their homes for the first time.
Even in the newly developed housing schemes residents are being supplied with potable water.
This year Georgetown will see an additional G$1B input into the water sector while other parts of the country will benefit from a G$2.5B water improvement plan.
In the area of education, since 1993 more than 800 schools have been built, renovated or refurbished in the 10 regional districts in the country, making it more conducive and comfortable for our children to receive their tutoring.
This kind of activity was carried out on almost 70 of these institutions in Region Four, with almost 40 taking place in the Georgetown area costing billions.
Computer training has also been introduced in some schools which will aid us to keep abreast with the technological age.
The once upon a time "death trap" Georgetown Public Hospital has now been transformed into an institution of absolute care. Most of the dilapidated wings have been done over and new equipment installed.
There is a new maternity block which is soon to be fitted with an elevator.
A new paediatric ward, a psychiatric ward and a new in-patient building also grace the Georgetown Public Hospital complex.
Also for safer blood transfusion, there is a new building which houses the National Blood Transfusion Service with new, modern equipment.
Soon to come on stream is the new Cancer Treatment Centre fully equipped to diagnose and treat certain aspects of this dreaded disease.
This kind of renewal activity has not been contained to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Improvements have been done in all government health facilities throughout the country and the sick are now receiving better care countrywide.
All indicators are pointing to Guyanese enjoying a better living standard this year and this will continue to improve in the following years. (GUYANA INFORMATION SERVICES)
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