Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Hon. Vanessa Benn, met with residents of Waiakabra yesterday as part of the Cabinet’s ongoing community outreach initiative, aimed at bringing governance closer to citizens and ensuring government programmes respond to local needs.
“We are here to do the work of the government, representing each and every citizen,” Minister Benn affirmed during the engagement. She added, “our government cares about each and every Guyanese, to help you to improve your lives, to help you to improve the lives of your family, and to be able to participate in different sectors in our country’s development.”
During the meeting, Minister Benn outlined several national initiatives designed to enhance citizens’ quality of life, focusing on housing, education, and healthcare.
She highlighted a new housing programme for vulnerable communities, which provides assistance grants and financial support to help families repair or upgrade their homes.
Residents raised key concerns, including land ownership documentation, the need for recreational spaces, road construction, and speeding trucks posing safety risks.
Regarding infrastructure, Engineer Christian Rajnauth of the Ministry of Public Works reported that the tender for Waiakabra’s main access road has been issued, with contract award expected soon through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).
In addition, eleven other roads in the community have been slated for upgrades under the Ministry’s 2026 roadworks plan.
On safety concerns, Minister Benn committed to engaging the Ministry of Home Affairs to address speeding trucks. She also noted that land ownership issues would be handled through the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC).
Minister Benn was accompanied by Thandi McAllister, James Bond, Waiakabra CDC Chairperson Lloyd Defreitas, and staff from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).
