Residents of Coomacka Mines and surrounding communities are set to benefit from further investment in roads, water supply, housing and economic development, as President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali outlined a series of initiatives during his outreach to Region 10 on Wednesday.
Among the key announcements was the planned completion of an additional two kilometres of roadway before the end of the year. The extension will continue the ongoing road improvement programme towards Old England, providing improved access for residents and businesses in the area.
The President also addressed one of the community’s most persistent challenges — access to a reliable water supply.
Ali said recent developments at Old England have created an opportunity to expand the water network to Coomacka Mines. A successful well identified in the Old England area is expected to be further developed, with Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) instructed to examine the necessary infrastructure to connect the supply to Coomacka.
“Recently, they have had great success at Old England, and although it will now cost a lot more money because we’ll have to build one and a half kilometres of transmission to get back here,” the President said.
He made it clear that resolving the water shortage remains a priority for the Government.
“It is non-negotiable,” Ali said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving access to essential services in the community.
The President also sought to assure residents that Government’s development agenda for Region 10 would continue regardless of the region’s political voting pattern in the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
He said the administration remains focused on delivering on its manifesto commitments and implementing projects aimed at improving living conditions and expanding economic opportunities throughout Linden and the wider Region 10.
Housing was another major area highlighted during the outreach. Ali said the Government intends to address the housing needs of applicants across the region while exploring new approaches to make home construction more affordable.
According to the President, innovative construction methods and financing arrangements will be considered to lower building costs and make it easier for residents to secure funding to construct their own homes.
The Government is also looking to stimulate greater economic activity in Region 10 through the Guyana Development Bank.
Ali said financing opportunities could support investments across several productive sectors, including agriculture, transportation, tourism and other areas capable of generating employment and expanding local businesses.
A particular focus will be placed on transforming Linden and Region 10 into a major production centre.
The President pointed to opportunities for expanding poultry and swine production, alongside the development of cold-storage facilities that could strengthen the region’s capacity to produce, preserve and distribute agricultural products.
These initiatives, he said, form part of a broader strategy to move Region 10 beyond traditional economic activities and establish a more diversified and productive local economy.
For communities such as Coomacka Mines, the planned road and water improvements are expected to address immediate infrastructure concerns, while the wider economic and housing initiatives could create longer-term opportunities for residents.
The Government’s approach, Ali said, is aimed at ensuring that development reaches communities across Region 10 while creating the infrastructure, financing and productive capacity needed to support sustainable growth.