President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the long-term development of Region One, announcing a series of new initiatives while revealing that nearly $7.5 billion has been invested in Mabaruma and surrounding communities over the past five years.
Addressing residents during a community engagement in Mabaruma, the president said the investments have benefited more than 10,000 residents, or approximately 2,000 households, through completed, ongoing, and planned projects.
President Ali said access to potable water has increased dramatically, from 38 per cent of residents in 2020 to 90 per cent today, supported by the completion of 30 new water systems and additional wells planned for communities including Mabaruma Settlement, Whitewater and Wauna.
He acknowledged the growing electricity demand, noting that while a 900-kVA generator expanded capacity, consumption has already outpaced supply.
“As a result, you have had power outages. So now we have to work on further expanding the electric system…maybe looking now at an off-grid solar system that will help to deal with this rising demand in your communities,” he stated.
The president also directed that a full audit be conducted on the approximately 1,700 solar home systems installed across hinterland communities to ensure timely maintenance and replacement of damaged components.
In education, President Ali said almost $3 billion has been invested to expand opportunities for young people, including teacher training, nursing, pharmacy and recruitment into the disciplined services.
He noted that improvements to healthcare have increased patient visits from 57,000 in 2020 to nearly 87,000 in 2025, while reducing the need for medical evacuations through expanded services at regional health facilities.
The president also announced several new initiatives for Region One, including the conversion of the Mabaruma Post Office into a Government Service Centre that will house agencies such as the General Register Office, Guyana Revenue Authority, National Insurance Scheme, passport services and banking facilities.
Additional commitments include the dredging of the Savannah Blackwater Creek, construction of the Smith Creek Health Centre, continuation of Phase Two of the Wauna-Tobago Road, expansion of agricultural lands at Hotoquai from 50 to 100 acres, construction of the Aruka Mouth Nursery School and a technical assessment of the Barabina Bridge.
President Ali said the government is also intensifying efforts to create more economic opportunities by expanding agriculture, ecotourism and small business development.
He said ministers will soon return to Region One to work with residents on business opportunities for young people, including poultry, livestock, swine and egg production, while supporting the expansion of coffee, cocoa, citrus and ginger cultivation.
The president said the Mabaruma airstrip is also earmarked for expansion to support greater economic activity, while longstanding land ownership issues in Brooms Estate are being addressed.
He encouraged residents to continue participating in the consultation process, emphasising that community development depends not only on infrastructure but also on the people who live there.
“A community is not only made up of roads, health centres, education buildings, technical institutes, recreational facilities and parks. Communities are made up of people, and it is people that determine how beautiful a community is,” the president said.
The head of state also assured families affected by the recent MV Barima tragedy that the government will continue to stand with them beyond the immediate aftermath of the incident.
“Our presence as a government will not be a fleeting presence, but our presence and everything we do will always be in honour of your family, in honour of you, and in honour of your communities,” President Ali said.