North Rupununi to become commercial hub – Min. Bharrat

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, has said based on the current trajectory of Guyana’s development, the north Rupununi is set to become a commercial hub in Region nine.

The minister was at the time speaking during an engagement with residents of Annai, Region nine, on February 23, 2023.

The minister urged residents to strive to preserve Guyana’s rich heritage, culture and traditions, in maintaining our identity amidst the large-scale infrastructural and other development taking place.

He reminded that the Linden to Mabura Hill Highway, which is already under construction, is set to bring major economic opportunities for persons living in Region Nine. “That spells significant opportunities for Region Nine and for the people of Region Nine. Most of the traffic coming from Brazil will flow through here, going into Linden and to Georgetown. We need to prepare and equip ourselves for this development.”

Additionally, the minister said these developmental waves will have a ripple effect, resonating in sectors such as education and health.

To this end, he assured that a secondary school for South Pakaraima is set to be constructed soon, bringing improved access to education for the children there.

He noted that the preservation of our forests, and developing our natural resources are key to ensuring sustainable development, and commended the instrumental role that the indigenous communities play in this regard. “We need to ensure that we provide world-class healthcare, education and infrastructure for our people. In order to do that, we have to ensure that we exploit and develop our natural resources in a sustainable and responsible way, while ensuring that our environmental credentials are intact. We’re ensuring, through the Low Carbon Development Strategy that our forests are preserved while we maintain a sustainable path towards development,” the natural resources minister noted.

Meanwhile, United Kingdom’s Minister of State with improved access to the 5 Mile community.

A&S General Contractors was awarded the rehabilitation of West Bartica Secondary Road Network at a cost of $84,027,090. The completed project involved the upgrading 1 km of asphalt road.

The government also awarded the rehabilitation of roads in Kaburi (Phase 2) Region Seven to Associated Construction Services at a cost of $61,402,950. The project involves rehabilitating 8 km of laterite roads in the community, and it is 90 per cent completed.

The placing of laterite is ongoing, and the project is expected to be completed soon.

JSB Investment Inc.

was awarded the rehabilitation of roads in Karrau in Region Seven at a cost of $69,897,535. This saw the rehabilitation of 5 km of laterite roads in the community. The government also prioritised the rehabilitation of internal roads in Lethem, Region Nine.

In Tabatinga Drive, Region Nine some 3.7 km of road was upgraded to asphaltic concrete. Rehabilitation works were executed by Theodore Faria General Contracting Services to the tune of $182,620,357.

Another significant project was the rehabilitation of Moco Moco Main Access Road and bridges in Region Nine. Modern Construction and Trucking Service was awarded the contract at a cost of $80,808,850 to repair timber bridges and perform sectional repairs on 20 km of road. The project is 90 per cent complete, with materials placed on the road waiting to be compacted. However, the bridges are completed. responsibility for Overseas Territories, the Commonwealth, Energy, Climate and Environment, Zac Goldsmith, highlighted that, in recognising the impact of climate change, it is crucial to source the root of the problem, which he clarified is the treatment of our natural resources, and that the key to addressing climate change is by repairing this relationship. He urged the residents to continue along this path of preservation, as Guyana serves as a model for the rest of the world in forest conservation. Further, Lord Goldsmith added that the primary aim of his visit is to explore opportunities to strengthen the relationship between Guyana and the UK.

Also, the rehabilitation of the Ituni internal roads and drains in Region Ten was awarded to O&O General Contracting Services. This saw 200 m of concrete drains being installed.

Overall, the infrastructural development in these hinterland communities is an essential step towards promoting economic growth and improving the living standards of the residents.

British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Jane Miller, reaffirmed her dedication to engaging Guyanese and finding ways to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Guyana and the UK for the betterment of all.

Concluding his visit to the community, Minister Bharrat also handed over educational paraphernalia to the students of the Bina Hill Institute.