Residents of East La Penitence, Georgetown will soon see major transformation in their community as work has started on a national developmental plan with emphasis on youth empowerment.
GINA said that spearheading this process is Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes, who has been assigned responsibility for the community.
A first consultation held yesterday at the East La Penitence Primary School also saw the participation of Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infra-structure, Annette Ferguson.
The consultation which was attended by approximately 60 residents was told that emphasis is now being placed on the development of the community.
GINA said that the government is focusing on improving the living standards of the residents, creating avenues for employment of young people and providing them with recreational facilities. There are immediate plans to establish a basketball court in the community for the youths.
Addressing the consultation before facilitating questions, Bulkan, said that his Ministry is fully aware of some of the issues affecting the communities but noted that most of those issues have to be fixed by the Municipality.
GINA said that the Minister explained that his Ministry is open to working with members of the community in whatever areas possible. Ferguson committed to the residents that her Ministry will be undertaking repairs to bridges that need fixing in the community, since a few of them pose a threat to life.
GINA added that the residents in their interactions with the Ministers highlighted the need for immediate repairs to be done to several bridges in the community which are being used by school children and are in a deplorable state. Other concerns were raised about drains and canals, culverts and kokers which are also in need of immediate repairs. These concerns were noted and according to Broomes, a committee, with members chosen by the residents to oversee the development and monitor the implementation of projects will be set up.
The consultation comes following a walk-about done by Broomes two weeks ago, where she interacted with residents.
