–President Ali announces overhaul of region 10’s drainage systems, special tourism incentive, airstrip upgrade
–as gov’t looks to accelerate development, progress
PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Sunday delivered a loud pledge of development and prosperity to residents of Region Ten, as he addressed a massive crowd at Lieu-Ken-Pen Square, Wismar, that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has a plan already in motion to transform the region’s economic and infrastructural landscape.
“You can be guaranteed, we will get it done,” President Ali told the mammoth crowd of supporters as he laid out sweeping plans to reshape Region Ten’s future, outlining initiatives from infrastructure to economic ownership.
“And when people ask me why I’m so passionate about this future, because I know that this future is not mere words; this future is an action plan already ongoing…And you can be guaranteed that we will get it done,” the president asserted.
President Ali unveiled plans for long-overdue improvements to Region Ten’s drainage and irrigation systems. The initiative, he said, will significantly reduce flooding in vulnerable low-lying areas such as Wismar and Mackenzie.
REGIONAL ECONOMIC HUB
The planned drainage syst0em overhaul is expected to dramatically reduce flooding in low-lying areas of the region, a persistent challenge for communities in Wismar and Mackenzie.
Additionally, the Linden airstrip will be upgraded and modernised, creating a launchpad for expanded domestic tourism, increased connectivity, and commercial activity.
According to the President, this aligns with the broader vision to position the region as a major economic hub.
This will be further complemented with special tourism incentives to generate more opportunities. Ultimately, the aim is to invest extensively in the region’s productive capacity.
“Our vision is much larger. Our vision is about investing in our productive capacity. Our vision is about investing in our capability. Our vision is about expanding our markets, creating higher-paying jobs, transitioning part-time workers into full-time roles with better salaries,” he explained.
Government, he said, will inject billions into community-driven infrastructure by hiring local contractors to build concrete drains, an effort to stimulate both employment and small business growth.
Meanwhile, to enhance the region’s economic prospects, the government will be upgrading the Linden airstrip, making it into a regional hub in tandem with plans to expand tourism, which will rightfully place the region as a hub for massive opportunities.
“We don’t want you to be bystanders of the development; we want every single person to own things in this economy. We are going to help you own businesses; own your future, own opportunities. How are we going to create and expand the economy of region 10? How are we going to create additional new wealth? We’ll be supporting with special incentives a tourism expansion plan and investment strategy for region 10,” the President said.
Coupled with the ongoing upgrade of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, these developments, he noted, will see Region 10 becoming a hive of economic activity.
Crucially, Ali made it clear that the development plan is not limited to Linden’s urban centre. Every village in Region Ten, he said, has been assessed and its priorities identified.
“The difference with us is that we are not only concerned about the big things, but we are also concerned about the small things too,” he assured, noting that the PPP/C has done an analysis of all the priorities for each village and if elected to continue its developmental plans, will address all concerns.
From road development to mobile financial services, he affirmed that Region Ten will see the delivery of the commitments being made.
“We are not speaking idly. I promise you tonight, that we will deliver on every one of these in every village.”
In the next five years, the government will further invest in expanding livestock and cash crop farming, rehabilitate the Mackenzie and Wismar Markets, enhance access to government services, invest more in the manufacturing sector, enhance regional health and address the cost of living in the region.
“We translate our policy into action…you have a responsibility not only to vote, but bring every other person out to vote…we have shown you our level of commitment, and on September 1 together, we will show all of Guyana,” the President said as he made a clarion call not only to supporters, but those of the electorate who may have doubts and want to experiment.
