President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced the establishment of two commercial zones – a workshop facility and a parking lot for heavy-duty machinery – on the East Coast of Demerara with the aim of easing disturbances to communities.
He made these revelations on Friday evening at the commissioning of the new Enmore Regional Hospital.
According to the Head of State, residents along the ECD corridor have been complaining about the operation of mechanic shops, spray-painting shops and machining shops in various communities.
President Ali noted that while the quality of life of residents is affected by these operations, the facilities are linked to job creation hence they cannot be completely shut down.
“So, we have decided that on the East Coast, for example, we will be developing two 30-acre plots …so that we can move all of these facilities to one area, where we can give them efficient service like electricity, water, and then the community can have a more comfortable life. We are going to invest in infrastructure. We are going to invest in giving you a good location and put the roads to connect you to those locations,” the Guyanese Leader assured.
With the second plot, he disclosed that an industrial parking lot would be established to facilitate the storage of heavy-duty machinery and equipment, which would otherwise be parked on the side of roads and streets, causing an incumbrance.
“The second plot is to remove that great burden …because of the growth of the economy, more people have heavy-duty vehicles, more hymacs [hydraulic machinery], more trucks, and they’re blocking up parapets, blocking up roads, blocking up people’s entrances.”
“So, we are building public parking lots with security, with lighting, so that we can have these facilities leased out. We [will] remove all of this heavy-duty equipment and put them in a safe location so it brings greater comfort,” he noted.
According to Ali, these investments are part of efforts by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government to enhance the quality of life for all Guyanese citizens and provide safe communities for them to enjoy.
“We are thinking ahead, thinking about quality of life, because quality of life matters to people …That is what we are doing in this government. Every day we’re investing for the long term,” he stated.
Only last month, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo raised concerns about the increasing presence of heavy-duty trucks and machinery parked on the side of the road, impeding traffic, especially within communities.
He encouraged that such culprits be ‘named and shamed’ and reported to NDCs so that actions can be taken to remove them.
Jagdeo further indicated Government is currently exploring the development of industrial/commercial zones in each community that can be utilised by businesses, thus reducing any inconvenience or disturbances to residents.
