Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Collin Croal during a recent outreach to Region Nine visited several communities and met with residents, during which he underscored the need for youth development and involvement in activities that will help to build their communities and the nation.
PS Croal held meetings in Pai Pang, Tiger Pond, Rukumuto, Tipuru, Karabaicru, Karasabai Central and Cracana where he interacted with residents.
He told residents that while the Administration is building roads, bridges, schools and health centres, it is also looking at how to develop the country’s human resources.
He mentioned the Kuru Kuru Training Centre (KKTC) which has expanded over the years and is offering skills training to persons between the ages of 16 and 25.
More recently, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry launched theYouth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme for 2500 indigenous youths that targets skill training. He also referred to the Board of Industrial Training programme (BIT) which is also geared to address the needs of young people.
Croal encouraged the youths to make use of the opportunities provided and to learn a skill.
The PS also identified some of the projects that are being undertaken in the region that cater for health care, education, roads, transportation, and agriculture, among others.
Currently there are some massive projects that are being undertaken in the regions which include the completion of the culverts from Region 9 to Monkey Mountain, Region 8, and the road networks within.
Residents of Pai Pang told the PS of their water supply system and asked for assistance to repair the pump.
There is also an increase in animals in the community and the residents are requesting barbed wire to fence their individual farms to prevent the animals from destroying their crops.
PS Croal urged the residents to explore their options and prioritise. He said that the residents along with their leaders should seek ways in which they can generate income to purchase the barbed wire; however, he promised the ministry will assist them to purchase a trestle and fix their water system.
At Tiger Pond, residents requested a tractor as theirs is not functional. Villagers were advised about the need to ensure maintenance of vehicles so that a longer life span can be realised.
PS Croal told the residents that this would be followed up with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs as well as their request for a mini bus to transport students to the St. Ignatius Secondary School.
