AFC’s Region 8 Chairman wants Mahdia to be an NDC

Feb 12, 2012 News

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…will monitor Amaila Falls hydro project closely

The Alliance For Change (AFC), has been rocking the political scene. From making inroads in

areas traditionally considered strongholds of the People’s Progressive Party to jumping by two seats, to seven in Parliament, in just its second showing at the General Elections, the party has made even the more casual of observers sit up and take notice.
AFC has managed an even more unthinkable thing in the November 28 polls. It won Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), a gold rich area whose capital of Mahdia, was since 1980 in the control of either the PPP or the People’s National Congress.
Now a 43-year-old small miner has been elected to lead that region and he is making no bones of his ambitious plans.
According to Mark Crawford, who was sworn in recently at the Chairman of the Regional Eight Democratic Council, he has already targeted several roads, water and hydro facility as key projects that will be followed up.
The challenges will be plenty for the AFC official. Region Eight is now gearing for one of the biggest project in the country…the Amaila Falls hydroelectric project which officials say could leave Guyana with a US$835M tab.
Kaieteur News during a recent interview with the miner found that he has already compiled a detailed list of things that he will pursue.
Poor infrastructure
With gold mining on a high because of climbing prices, Mahdia has been under strain to cope with poor infrastructure and other facilities.
“Our top priority will be to address the water situation. As you know, we have lines running to a creek which residents use but it is just not too dependable since in the dry season it is all muddy. I will be moving to speak to the relevant authorities to move this project forward.”
Several roads in Mahdia, long considered one of the interior’s top trading areas for miners, are also in a deplorable condition and will be targeted for fixing.
“If one is to check on the records of the GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission), it will show the amount of taxes and royalties that go to them. We need this to be reflected in Mahdia. It is just not happening now as one can see from the road conditions.”
The roads include the one linking Mahdia and Mango Landing.
“We would also like to see the Bartica/Potaro road that links Region Eight and Mahdia, fixed in a hurry, especially the area between 77 Miles and 100 Miles. There is work that can be done on some roads that can reduce travel time. The miners, farmers and business community all use it.”
Crawford, who has taken over from former Chairman, Senor Bell, also disclosed that the AFC had been looking at reducing the amount of food being trucked from the coast.
“Currently about 90 per cent of the goods are flown to the North Pakaraimas and then trucked here. We are already looking at lands that will be used for agricultural and other food production to help reduce this cost.”
The new Chairman also intends to examine the possibilities of Demerara Timbers Limited not taking tolls on the Mango Landing area. Currently, lorries are paying $4,000 while small vehicles pay $1,000.
The garbage situation in Mahdia is also a big worry. “As you know, malaria and other diseases are even more threatening here. We do have a problem with garbage on the road, in the drains, in the waterways. This is not good as it is the breeding grounds for mosquitoes. To eradicate malaria, we will have to address the garbage situation.”
Crawford is also planning to set the ground works to make Mahdia a Neighborhood Democratic Council. This will allow for rates and taxes to be collected and a systematic garbage collection put in place.
Tumatumari hydro facility
Perhaps one of the more important projects for the new Region Eight Chairman will be bringing the hydro facility at Tumatumari up. It has two turbines, one of which was recently refurbished.
“We will be moving to have this second turbine fixed as it can provide Mahdia and the surrounding areas with power. I also learnt that we have power lines that could take power to Mahdia. All we need are the poles and these can be easily had along the way.”
According to Crawford, the Mahdia power plant consumes around 4,500 gallons of fuel per month, while all the hydro needs is around three drums of lubricants and some grease.
“It will save foreign exchange and help reduce greenhouse gases. And speaking about hydro since Region Eight is where the Amaila Falls hydro project will be, we will be looking to ensure that there is good governance and transparency on this project.
It is a lot of money. Issues like an environmental impact study on future projects will all come into play. We are paying attention as residents will have to be compensated, and protected.”
According to Crawford, he will also be examining the possibilities of improving the current sports facilities in the area with the playfield in Mahdia being too small for even cricket.
“Indoor activities for students of the secondary schools dorms will also have to be looked at. It is not a good enough situation now.”
Commercial bank
Regarding mining, the regional bodies will be paying a close eye to ensure mining is done according to best practices and in keeping with regulations.
“I would also like the government to address the plight of the small miners and not burden them with too many unnecessary laws. Of course, the protection of our indigenous brothers and sisters is paramount and this will be one of our foremost concerns.”
Crawford will also be moving to ask government to establish an agent of the Guyana Gold Board at Mahdia.
“We have small miners who travel all the way to the city to sell their gold. Sometimes this does not make much sense financially for them. And from security and tax perspective, the country misses out on taxes when the gold is not sold to an authorized dealer.”
Crawford also disclosed that residents of Region Eight have been clamoring for a commercial bank and an ambulance.
“We have a housing drive now picking up and persons should not have to travel to the city for loans and mortgages. We need it here. We will be approaching the banks shortly about the possibilities.”
Crawford also insisted that he will be working closely with Government and “all parties” in ensuring that “Region Eight plays an important role in the development of Guyana.”

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