-by Celestine Chacon

Residents of Melanie Damishana and Non Pariel on the East Coast of Demerara have welcomed the Government’s Model Village Initiative, which will bring major infrastructure and community upgrades to the area.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali unveiled the proposals during the launch of the initiative on the East Coast of Demerara earlier today.

Among the projects planned for the community are the installation of 122 streetlights.

Other items on the agenda are the development of four industrial parking areas, the placement of 43 fire hydrants and the planting of 423 trees.

Residents were in high praise of the initiative, telling NCN News that this will be a gamechanger for their communities.

One resident, Travez [only name given] said, “This initiative that was shown today by the president and his  minister is actually a dream come true for me because as a boy growing up you’d travel and see other spaces have and im happy this is being rolled out in Melanie and Non Pariel Area.”

Rupan Persaud said, “I think it’s an excellent initiative , we have been having some issues mainly drainage and garbage and it’s being addressed now.”

Damieon James believes that these changes will benefit generations to come.

“I have one son , he’s three years old so I love the development so with that coming into Play, so when he reach 18 he will know its hard work,” he said.

The initiative also includes the rehabilitation of four playgrounds and  significant drainage improvements.

For instance, the construction of more than 43,400 metres of concrete drains, approximately 70 culverts and seven bridges, and nearly 26,900 metres of walkways are planned.