Residents of St. Lawrence, Parika were the latest beneficiaries of Governmentโs continued effort to meet citizens where they live, as Housing and Water Minister, the Hon. Collin Croal, led another round of engagements under the ongoing monthly Cabinet outreach. The session, supported by senior technical officers from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) along with representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture and Public Works, focused on development priorities and solutions for communities along the East Bank Essequibo corridor.
Minister Croal highlighted that Region Three remains a major hub for public sector transformation, with major works already unfolding in healthcare, infrastructure, energy development and housing. He noted that residents are already feeling the impact of the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridgeโan investment that has reduce traffic congestion, cut travel time, improve trade and transport logistics, and expand economic opportunities across the region.
Road enhancement continues to be a central feature of development, with new link roads creating faster movement while also unlocking lands for future distribution of residential house lots. According to Minister Croal, this comes at a pivotal time as Government prepares to roll out its expanded housing programmeโtargeting the construction of 8,000 housing units annually, many of which will be directed to Region Three.
The region also stands at the centre of Guyanaโs energy transformation. Minister Croal reminded residents that the Gas-to-Shore project, based at Wales, positions Region Three as a future powerhouse for cheaper and more reliable electricityโfueling industry, lowering household costs and stimulating new business investment.
Beyond those flagship projects, the Minister updated residents on a slate of community-level improvements already taking shape. Government has begun the procurement process for thousands of streetlights to equip every community, alongside a programme of road upgrades, expanded drainage works and the revitalisation of recreational spaces. In several communities, brand-new public spaces will be designed to support safe and wholesome environments for families, youth and senior citizens.
Water quality and sanitation also remain a priority. The Minister reminded residents that five new water treatment plants are being constructed to deliver clean, potable water across Region Threeโlifting service standards and improving public health.
However, while Government continues to invest holistically, Minister Croal emphasised that sustainable development demands shared responsibility. He encouraged residents to partner with local NDCs, protect public infrastructure, safeguard communal spaces and support environmental cleanliness as the region expands.
During the outreach, residents of Plantation Bendorff raised concerns regarding access to electricity. The issue has been documented by officials and will be channelled to the relevant agencies for follow-up under the ongoing inter-ministerial support mechanism.
The meeting forms part of Governmentโs commitment to direct governance and responsive service deliveryโensuring that citizens not only witness national transformation, but have a meaningful voice in shaping it. Each month, Cabinet members and technical teams deploy across the regions to hold community meetings, address concerns, unblock bureaucratic challenges and ensure public investments align with local priorities.
As Region Three advances on every major development frontโfrom housing and infrastructure to energy security and social servicesโresidents have been assured that they will remain central to decision-making, central to implementation, and central to the shared national progress now unfolding.