Mocha/Arcadia residents to benefit from road upgrades, agri. interventions

− Gov’t hosts public engagement in the community

Thegovernment has reiterated its commitment to improving community roads and to continue developing the agriculture sector in the Mocha/Arcadia community, East Bank Demerara.

Assurances were given by PPP/C government ministers during a public engagement held at the Mocha Primary school, on April 12, 2023.

Infrastructure and agriculture related matters were among the top issues raised by residents. Minster Edghill, while addressing these concerns told residents that the ministry is cognisant of the challenges; however, there are 14 community roads that need rehabilitation that will cost approximately $500 million. He noted that while all the roads cannot be rehabilitated at once, they will be upgraded in due course. “We plan to do the entire 1,000 metres of First and Second Street. The cost of each one of those streets is just above $75 million. So, we are programming it and as soon as we could get funding, we will be proceeding with Prosperity and First and Second Street,” the minister relayed.

Drainage and irrigation issues were raised and the agriculture minister said equipment would be deployed to alleviate flooding in the farming areas. Minister Mustapha reiterated that the community will continue to benefit from initiatives that will see the advancement of the agriculture sector. “I will now instruct the NDIA to provide the [drainage] mats so that they can complete the work faster. So Mr Lionel Wordsworth [Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] is there, and he will ensure that you get the mats in a few days’ time to continue the work,” the minister reassured.

He disclosed that every farmer in Guyana will be receiving the Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut variety, which is intended to boost the coconut industry. Also, farmers will be receiving planting materials but