Georgetown,
GINA, July 18, 2003
$5.7 billion poverty reduction programme
to
commence in 2003
Government has several programmes geared at further reducing
poverty in Guyana. These Programmes will cost a total of $5.7
billion. The money will be utilized over a five-year period
for community-based projects.
These poverty reduction plans were announced in Budget 2003
and aims to target distressed communities and the poor. Areas
targeted for spending are health, education, roads, drainage
and irrigation, environmental enhancement and waste management.
Some of these funds will be channeled thought the Social Impact
Amelioration Programme (SIMAP) 111 and Basic Needs Trust Fund
(BNTF) programs.
The Linden Economic Advancement project (LEAP), Youth Choice
Initiative Programme, the Amerindian Development Fund and
other locally funded poverty programmes will also benefit
from this money.
The provision of textbooks for primary and secondary schools
is also on the agenda. This will cost over $300 M over the
five-year period.
Additionally, schools will receive $100 M for the provision
of basis nutrition for children through a school-feeding programme.
A Rural Community Support Project will assist to fund micro
credit and agricultural extension services to farmers in Regions
Two and Three.
Additionally services, such as rehabilitating drainage and
irrigation infrastructure and upgrading public support facilities
are included as part of the drive to reduce poverty in Guyana.
Guyana’s current poverty rate is around 35 to 40 percent.
This rate was double this amount ten years ago.
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