–under Model Village Initiative
-by Kyler Rollins
Major upgrades are being proposed for several Region Six communities as Government pushes ahead with its Model Village Initiative.
From roads and recreational spaces to improved security and a modern municipal market, President Dr. Irfaan Ali outlined the plans during consultations with residents on Saturday.
President Ali met with residents of Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town, Skeldon and New Amsterdam, outlining plans aimed at making the communities safer, more modern and better connected.
At Port Mourant, proposals include 35 fire hydrants, 40 culverts, a play park and upgrades to approximately 20,952 metres of roadway.
Rose Hall Town is also earmarked for new green spaces, sports grounds and other community improvements. But the President said the initiative is about more than infrastructure, it is also about strengthening communities.
“What we want to achieve across the different communities in our country is not only the possibility of having the best service, the best infrastructure but to have the best possible citizens. Citizens that look out for each other, citizens that support each other and citizens that can live in neighbourhoods and communities that are livable,” the president said.
In New Amsterdam, the Esplanade Park is proposed for a major upgrade, while Matthew Allen Road could be transformed into a vendors’ hub. The New Amsterdam market is also set for a complete transformation, with plans for a modern facility designed to generate activity throughout the week.
“You will see the concept of the market goes beyond the traditional view of the market. And traditional view of the markets, a market for is a market for one day or one night. The new market is slated to have life every day of the week. So you have food courts and other areas set out in a way that allows that life to be continuous,” he said.
Similar upgrades are being proposed for Skeldon as the Model Village Initiative expands across Region Six.