-as he continues Model Village drive
President Irfaan Ali has announced plans for a new four-lane road across the Essequibo Coast and a wharf and waterfront development at Charity as part of his administration’s Model Village Initiative.
The plans were outlined during a consultation yesterday with residents of Charity, in Pomeroon-Supenaam, Region Two, at which proposals were also presented for upgraded roads and drainage, fire hydrants, security cameras, recreational facilities and improvements to public spaces.
“Outside of this, we are planning a new four-lane road all across Essequibo. We have already in the plans a new wharf,” Ali told the gathering.
“We have decommissioned the old Charity Marketing Centre and we’re going to build a new facility there with a waterfront development,” he added.
No cost or construction timetable for the projects was disclosed during the presentation.
The President’s model village campaign has raised eyebrows amid the deep national sorrow and concerns over governmental accountability for the July 18 capsizing of the MV Barima which has claimed an estimated 100 lives.
Ali said the initiative was intended to create modern, clean, sustainable and resilient communities, with improved infrastructure, recreational opportunities and designated spaces for businesses.
He pointed to conflicts which sometimes arise when commercial and agricultural activities, including mechanic shops, poultry operations and entertainment businesses, are conducted in residential areas without adequate safeguards.
In the case of bars, Ali said the government wanted to work with operators to enclose and soundproof their premises so that entertainment activities did not disturb other residents.
“So today, it’s about a holistic approach,” the President said.
According to Ali, a government team had inspected the community and prepared proposals covering public safety, fire protection, drainage, traffic management and the use of the waterfront to generate economic activity and employment.
The presentation identified 64 proposed locations for fire hydrants across Charity. Closed-circuit television cameras were also proposed for public spaces, along with 124 utility poles to support lighting and future infrastructural works.
The community covers approximately 271 acres, with 753 households and 13,654 metres of roads, according to figures presented at the meeting.
The proposals include the removal of derelict vehicles, garbage and other encumbrances from road shoulders, drains and public reserves. Private bridges and structures occupying reserves are also expected to be examined.
Several streets, including Main Street, Cross Street, North Street and Sunflower Street, were identified for improvements.
Images presented to residents showed upgraded roads with markings, reinforced or covered concrete drains, compacted shoulders, streetlights, organised utility poles and landscaping.
Some narrow streets are also expected to be widened to improve the movement and safety of motorists and pedestrians.
The proposed drainage network would comprise primary and secondary drains intended to reduce flooding and waterlogging and protect roads and properties.
At the waterfront, the government is proposing a modernised market and wharf with organized boat mooring, a ticket and information booth, a waiting area and designated spaces for food, clothing and other commercial activities.
The plans also envisage enhanced lighting, pedestrian-friendly areas and landscaping along the waterfront.
Charity serves as a major transport and commercial centre for residents of communities along the Pomeroon River and Moruca. Its waterfront is used by farmers, fishermen, traders and riverine passengers.
Ali said the development should take account of the growth of tourism in Essequibo and the need to diversify the regional economy.
“It’s important that whatever we build—recreation, waterfront development, our social infrastructure—all cater for the expansion and diversification of the economy here in Charity,” he said.
A proposed green space would include a basketball court, multipurpose field, pavilion, children’s play area, exercise facilities and designated parking.
“We want our sports facility to be much more than a cricket ground or a football field,” Ali said. “We want it to represent the multifaceted nature of sports itself.”
The President also referred to plans to launch the Guyana Development Bank, which he said would support business ownership, agro-processing, tourism and other investments.
He cited the reported importation of approximately 5,000 pounds of chicken into Moruca each week as an example of a market which producers between Moruca and Charity could potentially supply.
“We can create the opportunity right between Moruca and Charity, but we just need to explore and bring the clusters together,” he said.
Ali told residents that the consultation was intended to refine the proposals based on their experience and suggestions.
“You will tell us your ideas, tell us your challenges in your own eyes from the community, and what you think about what we present,” he said.
A separate team was made available at the meeting to record individual complaints involving pensions, the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Water Incorporated and the Guyana Revenue Authority.
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