While stating that there was room for improvement, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Harripersaud Nokta has expressed his satisfaction with the work of his ministry for the year. Nokta was speaking this week at his year-end media briefing in the ministry's boardroom.
According to Nokta, the ministry's successes to date were due to several factors, including teamwork, constant visits to the regions to meet residents and monitoring the progress of projects. This is according to a release from the Government Information Agency release. The minister further said that the 10 administrative regions received a total of over $7B for current works while capital expenditure amounted to over $1B.
Projects highlighted in Region Seven included the Kamarang Hospital, which is being constructed to accommodate surgery. Cabinet has approved a $13.2M contract for the completion of the hospital. Some of the other projects highlighted include the construction of a classroom block at the Bartica Secondary School Compound, the extension of the classroom block at the Waramadong and Upper Mazaruni Secondary School, the Bartica to Byderabo road, the Bartica to Agatash road and the installation of a freezer at the Bartica hospital. Nokta stated that the region received $16M for capital works for this year.
In Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) bridges have been constructed along the established trail. Work on the trail began three years ago with the emphasis being placed on the roadway. So far several villages in the Region have been linked and residents can now travel on tractor and trailer from Region Eight to Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo). A new guesthouse was constructed at Kato along with a cottage hospital. Other projects include the construction of dormitories at the Paramakatoi Secondary School.
In Region nine several bridges have been constructed and several schools and teachers' quarters have been built in villages in the Region, including Gunns Strip, Lethem and St Ignatius. Work on the road linking Regions Eight and nine are nearing completion.
Projects in Region One (Barima/Waini) include the construction of the Shell Beach School and Health Centre and other modern facilities in villages throughout the region. Work on the San Jose Bridge was begun but not completed due to problems with the contract.
Nokta also expressed satisfaction with the work of the Urban Development Programme. Projects completed include the Corriverton Market, the Anna Regina Town Hall, the Wismar Market and Robb and Norton Streets.