Laying the foundation for National Unity and Democratic Renewal

Jan 01, 2017 APNU Column, Features / Columnists

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In 2016 the Coalition partners in government faced several challenges. Thankfully we are better together than asunder. Challenges aside we were able to bring relief to several neglected communities and keep promises made to the people. The coalition in 2016 continued laying the foundation for the achievement of national unity and democratic renewal.
About 34,000 people will benefit from the installation of electrical distribution networks in 16 government housing schemes across five regions. The communities will be receiving the electricity through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).
The beneficiary communities, include Lust-en-Rust, Zeelugt Phase Two and Three and Zeeburg in Region Three, Eccles Industrial Site, Perseverance Phase Four, Peter’s Hall, Farm Phase One and Two, Covent Garden, Diamond Commercial and Diamond Residential in Region Four, Hope and Experiment in Region Five, Kilcoy/Chesney and Baltyock in Region Six and Five Miles Bartica, Region Seven.
The supply of electricity to the communities is catered from the approximately $5.189B provided for in Budget 2016 for the CH&PA for community infrastructural works (installation of electricity, pure water supply and distribution network, construction of roads, drains and drainage structures) in eight regions.
The spending is in line with government’s programme of establishing cohesive communities in which serviced lots, other social infrastructure and amenities, including green spaces, parks and recreational facilities, are provided to ensure an improved quality of life for all Guyanese.
Committed to providing potable water to all of its citizens, the Government expended approximately $2 Billion, in 2016, to improve and expand access to water. In 2016, residents in over 43 communities received water for the first time, benefitting over 45,300 people directly.
Residents of ‘D’ and ‘E’ Fields, Sophia are among those who can now boast of having access to water through their taps in their homes for the first time in many years. The project entailed the extension of transmission lines from newly rehabilitated wells in North Ruimveldt and Turkeyen to Sophia. Over 20,000 residents are benefitting from the completion of works.
In 2016, the sum of $585 Million was expended under the Coastal Water programme. The many outputs that have been achieved include the installation of transmission mains and expansion of distribution network at Kuru Kururu. Prior to this intervention, on a daily basis the residents were saddled with high costs to procure and transport water for their daily use. Approximately 500 persons benefitted from the improved level of service.
There was also the installation of water supply system at Waikabra, Soesdyke, prior to the intervention residents were using water from a nearby creek. Approximately 1000 residents are now benefiting from newly installed pipes, and a new well. The completion of the distribution network in Friendship squatting area benefitted over 1,250 residents. Prior to this intervention, the residents’ only source of water was rain. Mahdia now has access to potable water, even if there is a drought. This project benefitted more than 600 persons. Further, the hospital at Mahdia is now receiving a reliable and safe supply of drinking water.
Also benefitting from improved access to potable water in 2016 were the residents of Princeville, Region 8. Prior to the intervention, residents walked long distances to access potable water or relied on rain water harvesting. Over 2,000 persons from this community can now access potable water for the first time.
In 2016 a total of $6.72 billion was allocated for the improvement of hinterland, rural and urban community roads in Bartica, Mahdia, Ituni/Kwakwani, Puruni/Itaballi, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma/Baramita and Sophia, among others.
In collaboration with the IDB, the government in 2017 will commence activities to facilitate the complete rehabilitation of the 47-year-old Soesdyke/Linden Highway, work will also commence on the Linden to Lethem road.
Quietly and without much fanfare the coalition government has kept it promise to the people of Guyana. Three new capital towns were established, Mabaruma in the Barima- Waini Region, Lethem in the Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo and Bartica in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region. After more than twenty years, local government elections were held on March 18, 2106.
In order to improve the integrity of public procurement, the Procurement Commission has been established.
Then there are several other initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of the ordinary man. The Berbice bridge toll was reduced; there was significant salary increases for government workers (and the government and the workers unions are still engaged in talks); Passport offices have been established in New Amsterdam and Linden; significant increase in the old age pension; phased reduction of VAT has begun and many food and other essential items have been zero rated; the Anti –Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act has been passed and Guyana has been removed from the Global watch lists; legislation has been passed in the National Assembly to liberalise the telecommunication and ICT sector.
In order to improve our communication infrastructure, telecommunication will be extended to all tem regions of Guyana. The e-governance programme will eventually network all government agencies and will facilitate efficient data-sharing between government agencies.
A Public Service college has been established. This institution will enable the training of a corps of public officials who will be better equipped to ensure quality and timely delivery of public goods and services.
These are but a few areas where the work of the coalition has directly impacted the lives of everyday Guyanese in a positive manner. The new roads, the improved drainage, the improved solid waste management, improved water supply, electrification and modernization of the telecommunication and Information Technology (IT) sector are all towards ensuring that we all have a good life.
In 2017 the coalition will continue to work to close the income inequality gap between hinterland and coastland and between urban and rural areas. We will do so by boosting economic development in these areas and by improving the infrastructure which keeps the hinterland isolated and underdeveloped.
In the words of His Excellency the President, “Our Vision is for every Guyanese to enjoy a good life – one that is based on the acceptance that people’s existence is characterised by three key freedoms- freedom from fear, freedom from want and to live in dignity……A good life is about removing inequalities and providing opportunities for every citizen to be the best that he or she can be.”

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