President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Saturday, August 27 at the Parika Expo, disclosed that government was in discussion with stakeholders to build, in the near future, a four-lane highway from the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) to Parika.
The president noted that the four-lane highway will alleviate the traffic congestion for commuters traversing on a daily basis to various parts of Region Three and Georgetown. He said the country is financially better off and it is imperative to reinvest in areas such as Parika and others on the West Coast of Demerara.
The president made reference to the construction of two four-lane highways – at Timehri and on the East Coast of Demerara, and noted that it is good planning to have one coming from Parika.
Against this backdrop, he said that Parika and the West Coast Demerara in general have come a long way, but their present development is just the beginning.
“It still has a long way to go; and as such, we are working on providing things that will make a difference to the lives of the people in Region Three,” the president declared.
The president is also certain that the construction of the Gy$600 million synthetic track will benefit people in the region, more so residents in Leonora. He opined that when this track and field facility is completed, it will be lighted and will host hundreds of events. He said, too, that hotels, restaurants and other facilities will be built to benefit the region economically.
The class two, category five track is being constructed to meet international standards, in order to be certified by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF). It is an initiative of the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry. During his 15-minute presentation, the president referred to the Guyana National Stadium, which has benefited East Bank Demerara and Georgetown tremendously.
He contended that the track will also have the same impact on people in Region Three. “Soon, the people of West Coast can enjoy the facilities that people in Georgetown and other parts have access to,” President Jagdeo noted.
With respect to the education sector, Jagdeo emphasised that the Gy$428 million technical institute at Groenveldt, Leonora will be completed soon. He noted that many youths from the West Coast Demerara, the Essequibo Islands and West Bank Demerara will soon be able to access the requisite technical skills training in a range of areas, including masonry, carpentry, joinery, plumbing agriculture mechanics, welding, secretarial sciences, and electrical installation.
Today, more than Gy$25 billion of the total government expenditure is allocated to the education sector.
