Minster Croal outlines plans for development of East Bank communities

Minster Croal outlines plans for development of East Bank communities

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin D Croal, along with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CH&PA, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves, today updated residents in Herstelling, Little Diamond, Farm and other surrounding communities on a number of plans to be executed in the 2021 work programme, during an outreach at the Farm Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) compound.

Through a multidimensional approach the Minister and CEO sought to resolve issues in the communities concerning cattle, deplorable roadways and water woes.

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal assists a resident during his outreach

Present were representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

Water relief is also on the way for residents, as a new well to the tune of $40 million is slated to be completed at Providence. In this regard, funds are already budgeted and resources made available to Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). A team from GWI is currently working on a project at Farm and upon completion the team will commence the works in Providence.

GWI is also bringing on stream a number of filter mediums to improve water quality along the East Bank corridor. This is expected to be inline by May 2021.

Chief Executive Officer of CH_PA, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves, engages with residents

An issue of cattle grazing in the communities was also raised and is expected to be addressed through the Ministry of Agriculture- Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA). Deputy CEO of GLDA Dr. Dwight Walrond convened a separate meeting with a number of cattle farmers in the area as they have indicated their willingness to relocate their cattle from residential areas if they are given lands for such purposes.

With regards to road ways, the 2021 Budget will see the enhancement of several thoroughfares, as part of infrastructure works from Herstelling to Mocha. Internal road upgrades are also slated for Covent Garden, Little Diamond and Farm.

Further, as part of Community enhancement works, CH&PA will be installing a number of solar lights following the passage of Budget 2021. These lights will be installed in Farm, Covent Gardens and Providence.

A resident receives guidance from Chief Executive Officer of CH_PA, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves on a housing related matter

The Ministry of Housing is also working to strengthen the presence of rangers in communities to ensure that individuals operate within all the necessary bylaws and permits.

Additionally, the CH&PA Planning department is looking at a number of proposals to establish a market that will serve these communities. While a location has been proposed by the local NDC the Ministry will be engaging Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on the availability of the area identified.

Meanwhile residents were also able to access services from staff of CH&PA, as well as, the Guyana Water Inc.

Images: Sydel Thomas CHPA PR Dept.