Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, on Thursday met with residents of Waiakabra, located along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, as part of the Cabinet’s ongoing community outreach initiative aimed at bringing governance closer to the people.
During the engagement, Minister Benn emphasised that these interactions are vital to ensuring that government policies and programmes remain people-centered and responsive to citizens’ needs.
“We are here to do the work of the government, representing each and every citizen,” affirmed Minister Benn.
She continued, “our government cares about each and every Guyanese, to help you to improve your lives, to help you to improve the lives of your family, and to be able to participate in different sectors in our country’s development”.
The Minister also highlighted several national initiatives aimed at enhancing citizens’ quality of life in the areas of housing, education, and healthcare. She specifically outlined a new housing programme for vulnerable communities, which provides assistance grants and other financial support to help families repair or upgrade their homes.
Residents used the opportunity to raise key community concerns, including issues related to land ownership documentation, the need for improved recreational spaces, road construction, and speeding trucks posing safety risks to residents.
On the matter of infrastructure, Engineer Christian Rajnauth from the Ministry of Public Works reported that the tender for the main access road has already been issued, with contract award expected soon through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). Additionally, eleven other roads within the community have been identified for upgrades under the Ministry’s 2026 roadworks plan.
In addressing the safety issue, Minister Benn committed to engaging the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure the police take steps to curb speeding truckers. On the issue of land ownership, she noted that this has to be addressed through the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC).
The Minister was accompanied by Thandi McAllister and James Bond, along with Waiakabra CDC Chairperson, Mr. Lloyd Defreitas, and staff of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).
Discover more from INews Guyana
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
