Minister of Housing, Hon. Collin Croal, on Tuesday met with residents of Four Miles and environs during a community outreach at the Four Miles Recreational Ground in the Matarkai sub-district, Region One. The engagement is part of ongoing efforts to maintain open communication channels between the Government and residents, provide an opportunity for villagers to raise concerns and make recommendations, and allow officials to share important information on ongoing and upcoming initiatives.
Minister Croal was joined by Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley; Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Jason Ramjohn; and Chairman of the Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Mr. Keith Parker, along with other regional and local officials.
During the meeting, Minister Croal affirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of residents, noting that community engagements are critical to understanding local needs and delivering meaningful support.
Several community development projects were highlighted by the Minister, including plans for a playpark in the area and improvements to waste management services. Residents were informed that a new garbage collection truck is expected to be deployed to enhance waste collection, while a landfill site in Port Kaituma is also expected to come on stream, which will further support proper waste disposal in the region.
Emphasising the importance of shared responsibility, Minister Croal noted that while the Government continues to invest in community development, residents also have a role to play in maintaining their environment.
“We all have a collective responsibility in ensuring that these initiatives succeed. While the Government will continue to invest in development and deliver the necessary support, residents must also play their part in taking care of their communities,” the Minister said.
Residents were also informed that in the coming week, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will dispatch a team to address matters relating to the Four Miles Village Council, with a meeting scheduled for next Thursday.
Addressing concerns at the meeting about water access, Minister Croal told residents that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be drilling a new well at Log Pond. He further indicated that this will be followed by the drilling of another well at Four Miles (Toll Gate) to improve the reliability and quality of water services for residents in the area.
Regional Chairman Mr. Brentnol Ashley also provided updates on several issues raised by villagers. He announced that the distribution of fertilizers to farmers will be done as early as tomorrow, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in an effort to support agricultural productivity. Additionally, with respect to challenges affecting village transportation, Mr. Ashley stated that a mechanic will soon be dispatched to assess the minibuses used to transport children to school. He also noted that Regional Administration will be implementing initiatives to enhance education access and delivery.
Further, a commitment was made by officials to address concerns related to cattle roaming within the area, with measures to be implemented to improve safety and reduce inconvenience to residents.
The engagement was welcomed by residents, who expressed appreciation for the opportunity to directly interact with the officials and discuss matters affecting their daily lives.
(MINISTRY OF HOUSING PRESS RELEASE)