Infrastructural, health & tourism investments highlighted for Essequibo Coast

On Saturday President Irfaan Ali unveiled an extensive development plan for the Essequibo Coast in Region Two, aimed at boosting infrastructure, healthcare and tourism in the region.

One of the major projects includes the expansion of the main highway in Essequibo to a four-lane highway.

The Essequibo Coast Road, a paved two-lane road, connects Supenaam on the Essequibo River with Charity on the Pomeroon River, a distance of 36 miles, with Anna Regina located halfway between the two towns.

The new four-lane highway is in response to the rapid growth of traffic in the region.

President Ali also addressed the increased demand for transportation due to growth in tourism. He stated that the ferry is booked out every weekend and so, a new ferry for Essequibo, with a capacity for 400 passengers and 50 vehicles will be procured.

On Saturday, the head of state announced the arrival of the first cruise ship imported into Guyana equipped with 40 rooms. The cruise ship is set for its inaugural trip to Essequibo on Saturday.

Additionally, the new hospital at Lima Sands once completed is expected to employ about 1,000 people.

“We want all of these persons to come from your region. We are going to invest in training the young people,” President Ali during a meeting with residents of Lima Sands on Saturday.

In Lima Sands alone, over $2 billion has been invested on development. President Ali on Saturday revealed further investments will be made in expanding roads and bridges in Lima Sands and Mainstay.

Responding to community requests, street lights will be procured, and teachers, single mothers, and other residents will benefit from house lots.

“For those families and those without houselots, we will ensure you get those houselots before the end of this year,” the President said.

Ten residents in Lima Sands will also receive their land titles by the end of July. Additionally, two buses will be procured within the next two weeks to assist with transporting school children. The community’s playground will be rehabilitated at a cost of $6 million, with the contract to be awarded to community.

Plans are also in place to establish a new community centre with a computer lab. This, President Ali said will also incorporate the GOAL Scholarship Programme. Resources have also been set aside to build three ‘Men on Mission’ houses. The fencing of the nursery school in Lima Sands will be completed, and the expansion of the primary school will be evaluated.

The upgrading of the local health centre is also underway, with the contract signed.

On Saturday, a $110 million contract for the construction of a water treatment plant was revealed.

“We will be spending on every household, $550,000 just to give you this treated water,” President Ali said with the project expected to be completed by December 1, 2025.

Further works include strengthening road shoulders and improving drainage systems. A new play park for the village is also under consideration.

“We want what is best for you.

“We are going to walk alongside you, work alongside you, plan alongside you because you are the ones who must charter your own future.”