Minister of Local Government Mr. Harripersaud Nokta outlined his Ministry’s short-term goals of which the road network in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) is the focus.

Nokta was speaking last Sunday on the programme ‘Answers’ produced by the Government Information Agency (GINA).

He pointed out that the two Regions are difficult to administer because of the rugged terrain and the mountainous areas. In Region Eight, it is even more difficult as persons have to walk long distances to get from one community to the next.

Earlier this year, Nokta visited the villages in Region Eight and said that he would normally take about ten days by walking, but it was done in four days, which is a significant improvement.

The headquarters of the Region Eight Administration is situated in Kato and vehicles travelling to this area have to go to Lethem, travel through Brazilian territory, then cross the Ireng River to get to Kato. This is a tedious and onerous task and the Government is working to make access to these outlying areas easier.

The villages are being linked with roads, which are being constructed by residents of the communities themselves, without consultants and contractors.

Nokta announced that the long-term objective of his Ministry is to create a road link from Georgetown to Orinduik and Maikwak, also in Region Eight.

He said continued emphasis will be placed on this project as funds have been made available this year to continue the work.

In Region Nine, only one village, Yurong Paru, which lies on the borderline with Region Eight, is left isolated. The Ministry is moving to make this village accessible to other residents.

In these areas, the transportation costs for goods are very high since items have to be flown in. The road link is seen as an important artery for the benefit of the residents.

The Ministry of Local Government is also encouraging residents to go into agricultural production as the Regions have the potential and favourable climatic conditions.

Nokta said that the Regions can produce garlic, onions, cabbage and peas, among other crops, and these can be a source of income to raise the standard of living in the Regions.

The only problem the Regions have been encountering is the access to markets. With the creation of road links this problem will be solved.

The Government has been providing necessary services for the general improvement of the Region by making available adequate educational facilities, trained teachers and improved health care services. New schools and health centres have been built in several villages in the two Regions and plans are in the pipeline for more this year. Funds have been allocated for the improvement of these services and it is expected that this new injection of funds will help the Region to be developed more quickly. (Government Information Agency)