Derelict vehicles, construction debris and noise nuisance from bars and entertainment venues are among the issues being addressed under a major infrastructural overhaul planned for Rose Hall, East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six, as part of the government’s Model Village Initiative.
The tight-knit, sugar-belt community has earmarked 354 acres for modernisation, one of 23 communities nationwide under the initiative. Residents were presented with a detailed proposal covering roads, drainage, utilities and public spaces across the township’s 120 streets and roughly 30,400 metres of roadway.
President Dr Irfaan Ali led the process, accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh, Housing Minister Collin Croal and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.
A concessions programme is being explored through the Guyana Development Bank to help bar and entertainment operators soundproof their premises, following reports that noise nuisance remains a leading complaint across communities visited under the initiative.
President Ali said the removal of derelict vehicles and construction debris, along with efforts to resolve parking issues, would only succeed if residents also took greater responsibility.
“You can have enforcement, but you also [must] have dignity and responsibility as a people too,” he said.
Under the proposed works, five new bridges and 17 additional culverts will be constructed to improve water flow and connectivity, addressing what planners identified as overgrown and poorly draining existing drains.
Roads will be widened and repaved, with reinforced concrete drains, edge-line markings, pedestrian crossings, street signage and hard shoulders installed across several streets.
The township’s two existing play parks and green spaces, including the Hoyte Memorial Play Park, will be redeveloped with improved landscaping, lighting and rehabilitated facilities.
The plan also includes a utility pole rehabilitation phase to address leaning, damaged and improperly aligned poles, alongside a directive requiring telecommunications providers to remove hanging wire bundles from poles across the community.
“We have to build neighbourhoods in which people are respectful to each other,” President Ali said.
Works will proceed in phases, beginning with utility coordination, drainage preparation, drainage and access, pedestrian access, road improvements and greening. A dedicated point of contact will remain available to residents for the duration of construction. (Rewritten from DPI)
