The Guyana Government is expected to grant approval for the operation of a quarry facility in the Amerindian Village of Malali along the Berbice River.
This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday during a visit to the community. The Head of State led a Cabinet Outreach in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) over the weekend, visiting several communities.
At Malali, President Ali pointed out that the recent construction of a road in the community has opened up several opportunities there. These include the potential of new three quarries along the Berbice River.
This, the Guyanese leader noted, will come in good use since Malali Village is currently in need of some 500 feet of river defence.
“Today, as a result of this road, we have more than three companies wanting to operate quarries in this community that is creating a number of jobs. So, with these quarries coming into effect, we will have boulders much more affordable to look at the 500 feet of defence that is required so the cost will come down.”
The Head of State went on to added that only last week the Village Council of Malali made a request for approval to operate a quarry project in the community. According to the President, this project will be approved with a condition that half of the production will go towards Government projects being executed across Guyana.
“Last week, we met with the officials and we made the decision that the approval for that quarry that is asked for by the village will be given so that that quarry could be operationalised here. And we have an agreement with them that 50 per cent of the production of that quarry will be for Government projects all across the country at a fixed price,” Ali stated.
This quarry project, the President explained, will create some 44 employment opportunities including high-paying operator jobs.
Meanwhile, the Guyanese leader also announced several development projects for Malali during Sunday’s visit. These include the construction of a new primary school to replace the current structure which floods due to its close proximity to the riverbank.
An elevated area has been identified for the new school, and a team of engineers has started consultations with the village on the design of the building. The recreational facility will also be upgraded, a new doctor’s quarters will be constructed, and a new water distribution system will be drilled to ensure sustainable water supply.
President Ali also disclosed that the Government will be supporting the development of 10 acres of land for agriculture through the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP).
“We are going to work with you in opening up 10 acres of land to do pineapple, coconut and citrus… The only requirement of this project is that 35 per cent of those who are part of this project must be women and young people,” he told the residents.
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has already committed to providing the plants to cultivate two acres of the land set aside for coconuts.
Plans are also on stream to construct a wharf in Linden to facilitate the movement of goods and services from the riverine village.
The President said these are the types of initiatives that will add value to what the Government is doing.
“We are building a stronger future, a more prosperous future for the people of this country,” he underscored.
Malali, with a population of just about 250, has thus far benefitted from a total investment of $154 million in just three years under the Ali-led Administration.
“We have spent $616,000 on each one of you… and if you look at the 68 households here, we have spent $2.3 million per household in the last three years,” President Ali emphasised.
Under the $3 billion commitment for hinterland development made during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference last year, Malali received $15 million to finance economic projects, including shade house and sawmill initiatives.
The village also received an additional $15 million this year from carbon credit funds for projects.
Meanwhile, 77 solar panels were distributed to the village under the Government’s ‘30,000 solar home systems’ project during Sunday’s Cabinet Outreach.
The President was accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai.
