– Plans unveiled for new housing and water development
The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted at midnight at the Mabaruma Settlement Ground, Barima-Waini (Region One) in celebration of Guyana’s 54th Republic Anniversary under the theme: “Celebrating Our Peoples and Our Prosperity”. In attendance were the Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal; Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Tikaram Bisessar; Deputy REO, Mr. Shem Cuffy; and Mayor of Mabaruma, His Worship, Trevi Leung.
While speaking of the Government’s holistic plans for developing Guyanese in all administrative regions, Minster Croal announced a new housing development for the Mabaruma sub-district.
“Right here at Mabaruma we will be developing a new housing area, as similarly done [at] Kokerite Hall Hill,” said the Minister.
He stated that under the Hinterland Housing Programme, construction of houses are ongoing at Smith Creek, Arukamai, Imbotero, Savannah Blackwater, Warapoka, Hairamuni, Arakaka, Baramita and Canal Bank. Late last year, the Minister had handed over the first ten homes constructed under the project to families at Kokerite.
Heavy investments were also done in the water sector to bring clean water to communities in the hinterland over the past three years. In the Mabaruma sub-district, several villages have benefitted from potable water and a new well was recently completed at Mabaruma Settlement. A number of new wells are also expected to be drilled this year. On the table for 2025 is the Mabaruma Water Treatment Plant. Moreover, wells are targeted to be completed in the Matarkai sub-district and an evaluation is being undertaken for wells in the Moruca sub-district.
Highlighting other advancements, the Minister pointed out that the region has witnessed improvements in education with new schools, employment opportunities, upgraded healthcare facilities, road construction and agricultural support. Some 77 villages benefitted from a total of $2.57 billion through various development grants since 2020. Notably, a $88.6 million state-of-the-art gymnasium is underway in Mabaruma.
With the President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led Administration in its 4th year of governance, Minister Croal said that it has achieved a 33% growth in 2023 on real GDP, and is very close to fulfilling the promises made along the campaign trail in 2020.
“The future of Guyana is bright. We can remain confident in our government’s commitment to the betterment of Guyana and all Guyanese,” assured Minister Croal.
He continued, “we have made every citizen in Guyana our priority. We are creating a future that is secure for our children and our children’s children”.
The Minister also noted the overwhelming confidence expressed by international companies and development partners, as Guyana continues to progress.