-by Kimberly Gidding

Residents of Region Seven are set to benefit from a series of infrastructure projects and investments, announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a Cabinet outreach in Bartica.

Key initiatives include the construction of a bridge across the Puruni River and new water systems for Batavia and a school, with work expected to begin within the next month to improve access to potable water. President Ali also highlighted the ongoing development of the Oko West Gold Project, which is nearing completion and is poised to boost economic activity and employment opportunities in the region.

“A new bridge will be constructed over the Puruni river at the approximate cost of US$6 million. The bridge is expected to commence in August and the construction period is 8 months,” he said.

President Ali reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing infrastructure and public services, while warning contractors against excessive delays.

“Those that are still behind schedule for 4 months, those projects will be terminated and contractors will be assigned to complete those projects. We have at least 3 projects in the region that would be terminated because contractors are not performing. We need to get this right and get these projects done,” the president said.

In addition, the President announced plans to invest $2 billion in food security and agricultural development, 

acquire critical equipment, including excavators and trucks, to establish a maintenance programme aimed at improving the upkeep of roads and other infrastructure across the region.

In the education sector, additional staff will be assigned to the dormitory at Bartica Secondary School to strengthen student support services.

The President further noted the Guyana Development Bank is in its final stages of planning, with financial literacy programmes to help Region Seven residents access new financing and business opportunities.