East La Penitence community to undergo major development

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Residents of the community of East La Penitence, Georgetown will soon see major transformation and development in their community as work has commenced on the crafting a national developmental plan with emphasis on youth empowerment.

The first consultation was held on Sunday, July 19 at the East La Penitence Primary School. Spearheading this developmental process is Minster within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes, who has been assigned responsibility for the community. The consultation saw the participation of Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson and was facilitated by Minister Broomes.

The consultation, which was attended by approximately 60 residents, was told that emphasis is now being placed on the development of the community since there is a need for an intervention by the Government in improving the living standards of the residents, create avenues for employment of young people as well as provide them with recreational facilities.

There are immediate plans to establish a basketball court in the community for the youths. Addressing the consultation before facilitating questions, Minister Bulkan, said that his Ministry is fully aware of some of the issues affecting the communities and where possible, efforts are being made to address them.

Residents in their interactions with the Ministers highlighted the need for immediate repairs to be done to several bridges in the community which are being used by school children and are in a deplorable state.

Other concerns were raised about the state of the drains and canals, culverts and kokers which are also in need of immediate repairs. These concerns were noted and according to Minister Broomes, a committee, with members chosen by the residents to oversee the development and monitor the implementation of projects will be established. The Minister has committed to working with this committee in realising the various developmental initiatives. [Extracted and modified from GINA]