Exploring
Regions Eight and Nine overland
A GINA feature, March 11, 2004
Villagers of Regions Eight and Nine who worked manually to have
a road that links both regions - can now reap the benefits of their
hard work.
To have an overview of the road, a high level ministerial team comprising
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Local Government and Regional
Development Harripersaud Nokta and Minister of Housing and Water
Shaik Baksh, among other officials from both regions, made the journey
from Karasabai to Orinduk; visiting several villages along the way.
The team was transported by a convoy of vehicles, over some rough
terrain to reach some destinations.
The team left Karasabai approximately 9:30 am on Saturday March
6, for Monkey Mountain in Region Eight, which is approximately,
2,200 feet above sea level, with brief stops at Tiperu, Rukumutu
and Yerong Peru and Ecillibar River that borders Region Nine and
Eight.
In the villages, Prime Minister and team were greeted by villagers.
The Prime Minister and Minister Nokta spoke to the villagers and
listened to their concerns.
Many of the Amerindians who live along the road are of the Macuhsi
and Patamona tribes and life without a proper road. This was difficult
for farmers who suffered great losses, of their produce such as
peanuts and potatoes.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was travelling the road for the
first time, was impressed with it and sees it as a vital element
to development.
"This road link is very important to you because you can now
export your produce faster, which will benefit you financially,"
stated the Prime Minister.
For years there was no road linking Regions Nine and Eight. Persons
could only access communities on foot, traversing mountainous terrain
and crossing rivers which took several days and sometimes weeks.
In most instances persons had to carry heavy loads on warishees
strung across their backs and tied to their foreheads.
After three years of hard work and dedication by villagers and with
the support of the Regional Administrations of the two neighbouring
Regions, the road was completed last year. Approximately $21M was
allocated for the construction of the road.
"You have used your hands and simple agricultural tools, and
as I have said before, you were human "mandozers" instead
of bulldozers to construct the road," pointed out Minister
Nokta.
Minister Nokta also promised that several bridges will be built
for easier access over streams, especially with the rainy season
approaching.
On the following day the team left Monkey Mountain for Kato, also
making stops at Tuesning, Bamboo Creek and Paramakatoi.
At Paramaktoi, Prime Minister toured the dormitories which accommodate
students from outlying areas.
Regional Chairman of Region Eight, Senor Bell, pointed out before
the road link access from Georgetown was only by aircraft, which
was extremely expensive for residents.
"Now the future looks bright for Amerindians and we will continue
to look at ways to further improve their lives," said Bell.
The three-day overland journey came to an end on Sunday March 8,
with the team stopping at Kurukabaru, one of the coldest villages
in Region Eight, at an altitude of over 3,000 feet above sea level
and although it was approximately 10:00 am when the team arrived
in the village it was still cold.
Prime Minister Sam Hinds was really impressed with the journey and
what he saw and is urging Guyanese to take time out to explore and
the beauty of Guyana's hinterland.
The final destination was Orinduk falls which is close to the border
with Brazil, where the team had a cool down before the Prime Minister,
Minister Nokta and Minister Baksh and team from Georgetown winged
out; while the Regional officers took the journey back to Kato.
This road must be regarded as a historic and great achievement of
the PPP/C Government. Once maintained and kept in good condition,
it will serve the residents of the North and South Parakarimas a
long time, facilitating with ease transportation of goods and services
to and from the communities.
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Thursday,
March 11, 2004