Green Bartica development plan proposes building of airport

The Green Bartica Development and Land Use Plan (GBDLUP) which includes a proposal for the construction of a municipal airport and a modern sewer and waste water treatment system among others, was last week handed over to Minister with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson.

The plan was presented by Presidential Advisor on the Environment, Rear Admiral Rtd. Gary Best, on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. Land Use Expert on the project, Mr. Charles Griffith, accompanied Mr. Best to the meeting which gave insight into the plan which seeks to model Bartica as Guyana’s first green town in furtherance of President David Granger’s thrust for a ‘green economy’.

Rear Admiral Best in his presentation pointed out that the objective of the presentation was to put forward a consistent and integrated green plan that will generate policies which will eventually lead to the sustainable development of Bartica and its abundant natural resources.

This plan will create space for citizens to participate in decision-making, which will ultimately shape policies for the coming years as the country  moves towards green spaces, sustainable livelihoods, environmentally friendly practices and ultimately a green economy, a statement from the CH&PA said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Griffith explained that the land use plan was formulated after a study of what already exists in Bartica, while consideration was given to several factors including plausible patterns of global and local outcomes.

Key aspects of modernisation include the construction of a modern sewer and waste water treatment system, retrofitting of current infrastructure, climate proofing of future development, the establishment of the following zones: industrial, residential, government, business, tourism, recreational, research and culture.

The GBDLUP will see the town of Bartica being divided into North and South Bartica.

Modernisation will take place through zoning in North Bartica and sustainable industrialisation, through zoning in South Bartica.

The zoning of South Bartica will see green spaces, agricultural development, mining, agro-processing factories and cattle rearing; all of which will carry a 70-30 ratio between the activity and the forest.

In addition, there is a proposal for a municipal airport with all modern amenities.

Mr. Griffith also spoke at length of the manufacturing possibility for Bartica which is now approximately 68 sq. miles.

At the close of the presentation, Minister Patterson thanked Mr. Best and his team, noting that the CH&PA is committed to providing its resources to aid in making the plan a reality.

Already, the proposed Green Bartica Development Plan has been presented to the Bartica Town Council, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, the Minister and staff of the Ministry of Communities, Commissioner and staff of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission and the Minister and staff of the Agriculture Ministry.

Further, the proposed plan has been fully endorsed by the National Land Use Committee and the Bartica Town Council