The Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, is encouraging residents of hinterland communities to seize opportunities emerging from various government projects slated for their areas.
During a recent ministerial outreach in Region Eight, Sukhai emphasized the importance of building local human resource capacity to execute these development initiatives effectively.
Speaking to residents in Campbelltown, Minister Sukhai highlighted the need for more contractors within the region to manage the numerous infrastructural projects being introduced.
She explained that there is a demand for local expertise and manpower to carry out the development plans, and the government is actively working to identify and train individuals to fill these roles.
Currently, a list of potential contractors is being reviewed to ensure that local talent can be utilized, ensuring the benefits of these projects remain within the community.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill also accompanied Sukhai during the outreach.
She emphasized that with Edghill spearheading the region’s infrastructure development, it is crucial for the leadership of Amerindian villages to collaborate with the government to ensure the success of these projects.
Over the past three years, the government has increased its Public Works Budget for the maintenance of roads in Amerindian villages from $100 million to $300 million.
This substantial investment underscores the administration’s commitment to the development of hinterland regions and the upliftment of indigenous communities.
Sukhai urged village leaders to actively support these investments, noting that effective leadership is key to the success of any development initiative.
She stressed the importance of cooperation between local leaders and their communities to ensure that the projects achieve their intended goals.
This outreach is part of the government’s broader effort to engage with indigenous leaders and ensure that hinterland regions benefit from national development at all levels.