As Mahdia, Region Eight continues to experience significant infrastructural development, Minister of Public Infrastructure [MPI], David Patterson, during a recent visit was able to get a first-hand look at recently completed and ongoing works being executed by the Ministry.
Minister Patterson was accompanied by a number of MPI officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kenneth Jordan; Chief Roads and Bridges Officer, Mr. Ron Rahaman; and Chief Executive Officer of the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. (HECI), Mr. Horace Williams. Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, and two representatives of his Ministry were also present for the visit and took some time out to meet with residents on the Busines Ministry’s behalf.
MPI is currently executing six projects within the region. These are the construction of Mahdia Community Roads; the rehabilitation of roads and drains at the Potaro Main Access Road – Mahdia to Denham Bridge; rehabilitation of roads and drains in Mahdia; rehabilitation/construction of Brian Sucre Junction to Mahdia; rehabilitation/construction of Eagle Mountain Foot/Stone Hill to Konawaruk Junction (Phase 1); and rehabilitation of Mile 78 to Cassandra Crossing. These projects are all scheduled to conclude within the coming weeks.
Minister Patterson indicated that the focus will be turned to the rehabilitation of 10 kilometres of roadway between Cassandra Point and the Denham Bridge. This stretch is important since it serves as a link between Bartica and Mahdia and works on it could commence in 2019.
“It is our hope to bring greater relief and so we will be doing another 500 metres of roadway in Region Eight this year,” he said.
He further emphasised that while the Ministry is keen on providing its help, the regional administration and the private sector also had roles to play in pushing for development within Region Eight.