Pres. Ali pledges to build 1,000 core homes in Reg. 9, announces major infrastructure development for villages

President Irfaan Ali has announced plans to build at least 1,000 core homes across Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo) if the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is elected for a second term.

“In our next term in government, we are going to expand the housing project and core homes project in Region Nine. We have to build at least 1,000 of those core homes across Region Nine,” the President stated during his visit to Yupukari Village on Saturday.

The Head of State highlighted that some significant investments have already been made, noting that $450 million has been invested in infrastructure in Katoka, Yupukari, Fly Hill, and Kaicumbay villages in recent years.

“As we work together, we also know and part of our philosophy is, every day we think about how we can bring initiatives to further strengthen and enhance the communities,” President Ali added.

In response to transportation needs in Yupukari and its surrounding satellite villages, President Ali assured residents that the government is taking action.

“You want minibuses, you want further help in transportation. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has already procured two buses to support the satellite communities,” the President stated.

Reflecting on the growth and development in Indigenous Villages, President Ali said: “When we were going to these communities first, the big request used to be a fork and shovel and cutlass. Today, we have grown to the extent that our requests are ATVs, chainsaws, minibuses, boats, engines, health centres, and schools.”

The President also addressed the need for emergency services and said an ambulance has also been procured for Yupukari.

To improve connectivity, upgrades are also planned for infrastructure such as roads and bridges for several villages. The Yupukari and Fly Hill Bridge will be upgraded from a wooden to a concrete bridge.

Further, the road from Katoka Junction to Fly Hill, about 3 km long, will continue to be upgraded, and the six-kilometre stretch from Parishara to Kaicumbay is already being assessed by engineers for improvements.

Another project has also been earmarked for 516 households, where each household will receive a tank to harness rainwater. President Ali announced that Kaicumbay’s sports ground will also be enhanced as the government explores the establishment of a housing scheme there.