Orealla/Siparuta has lauded the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) for providing employment and bringing much needed revenue and development projects to the region.
Orealla and Siparuta are two adjoining Amerindian communities situated on the left bank of the Corentyne River about 60 miles from Crabwood Creek, Region Six. Their main economic activities are logging, agriculture and small scale farming, a report from the Ministry of Housing said.
Floyd Edwards, toshao of the communities lauded the project for bringing employment and revenue to the area. “The Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) is of great assistance to the Orealla/Siparuta Village Council, which does not have sufficient revenue to employ persons to help maintain the communities,” he said.
“The design of the CIIP for employees to work for 16 hours per week allows individuals to utilize their energies in other income generating activities….It is a positive project and I know for sure those employed are happy…I am happy for it…and the residents are pleased with the work done,” he said.
Residents employed as Community Enhancement Workers by Ministry of Housing and Water are currently supporting the efforts of the village council. Every Monday they engage in clean-up activities, though this does not meet the communities’ needs. “Whenever it rains, water running down the hill would settle on the clay valley making the ground slushy and slippery…But with the recent drainage clearing activities, the water runs off into the drains,” Edwards said.
David Henry, Community Enhancement team leader for Orealla said the team has a three-month work programme. Cleaning of drains is a priority and this is done continuously. Community Enhancement Workers also do routine repairs to infrastructure. In November three bridges along the public thoroughfare were repaired. “The money earned through CIIP is guaranteed monthly financial support…” he said.
