President Ali addressing fisherfolk at Mon Repos
Issues affecting fisherfolk and residents of Mon Repos Village, along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) will be resolved in phases, President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured.
He made this commitment during a community walkabout on Wednesday where he spent time interacting with citizens about pressing issues affecting them.
Among crucial issues to be addressed are the construction of an access road and ramp to assist the fishermen in bringing their produce onshore.
Additionally, the dredging of the waterway in the area is also on the agenda, to alleviate the current challenges faced by boats due to shallow waters.
Ali has since informed the residents that works have already commenced to resolve most of the issues raised due to prior engagements with fisherfolk.
He explained that the undertaking is part of the Government’s transformative agenda that caters to the improvement of working conditions of the 500 fisherfolks who ply their trade within the Mon Repos community.
The docked fishing vessels
“I am here just to tell you that those things that you raised with us, we have already started to work on it. I have asked the Ministries of Agriculture and Public Works to make the resources available and to work with you guys on ensuring those things are done.”
As it relates to enhancing the livelihood of residents, President Ali disclosed plans to regularise squatting lands being occupied by some 600 households.
This includes resolving outstanding disputes among neighbours to expedite the process of providing the ownership documents to the residents.
“The transport issue we will see how we get past that legal hurdle and I promise you I’m going to work on this myself with Housing so before the August holiday out we will come right here and give you your title,” President Ali said.
This is the second engagement in two months President Ali has facilitated with fisherfolks operating along the ECD.
Back in May, the Head of State committed to constructing a new ramp for Fisherfolks at the Ogle Outfall to bring their boats onshore for maintenance, upgrading the mud dam leading to the channel, as well as addressing security issues. He also instructed that the Public Works Ministry immediately look into road upgrades.
Mon Repos Market
In addition to meeting the fisherfolks, President Ali also visited the newly renovated Mon Repos Market, during which he engaged vendors and market officials.
Back in November 2022, a $619 million contract was awarded for the rehabilitation and expansion of the market to eliminate roadside vending which will ultimately address the flow of traffic in the area.
This saw the previous wooden structure being torn down and a modern new 18,000 square-foot pre-fabricated multi-level building that can accommodate some 490 stalls erected in its place.
During his interactions with vendors, concerns were also raised about security in the market and the President has committed to having a police outpost established there.
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