Residents of Bath Settlement in Region Five have welcomed the government’s Model Village Initiative, which is expected to bring a range of infrastructure and public-service improvements to the community.
“This Model Village Initiative is a good thing, and we will see a lot of development. We will get like paradise. Guyana will become paradise,” Vidya Balram expressed while speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI) recently.
As part of the initiative in Bath Settlement, residents will see the remodelling of the municipal market, construction of a dedicated vendors’ hub, upgrades to drainage systems and expanded fire hydrant coverage.
The initiative aims to improve living conditions, strengthen community infrastructure and provide residents with better access to essential services.
Balram also welcomed the growing interest among Guyanese living overseas in returning home.
“It is nice that overseas people are saying that they are coming back to live here, and it is nice when people tell you Guyana is looking good,” she added.
For resident Melina Vossey, improved security is also an important part of the initiative.
“I am glad that the president brought up this initiative, especially having the CCTV cameras because most of the streets are very dark. They have a lot of drug users, so I think it is very good,” she said.
Another resident, Vickash Budhoo, said the planned infrastructure improvements are long overdue.
“It is a much-needed development for our community in terms of the infrastructure works, both drainage and irrigation, road works,” he said.
Budhoo said the initiative will bring the community closer to having the infrastructure needed to support further development.
“I think it is one step closer to having a developed community, providing better infrastructure upgrades and better access to certain services,” he added.
The Model Village Initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise communities and improve infrastructure, public safety and access to services.