MIDDLE REGION--Residents of Middle Region and Defiance gathered in the auditorium of Sr. Marie Laurence Primary School Monday evening to hear about the planned upgrade of this area, and to voice their concerns about sewage and other issues affecting their lives.
New Projects Development and Planning Head Kurt Ruan gave an overview of the NAf. 14-million upgrading plan, which entails resurfacing the main road and some secondary ones, placing all cables underground, installing new sewage lines, and adding sidewalks and streetlights.
The design and engineering phase for the Middle Region upgrade is expected to be completed by April.
Also weighing in on the project was Public Works Commissioner Theo Heyliger, under whose portfolio this project falls. He told residents that the 18-month project period seemed like a long time, but the results would be well worth it. "Look at Front Street, Back Street, South Reward and elsewhere, that have already been upgraded, and you will see how your community will be transformed."
Heyliger also said that there was the possibility of jobs for people in the area with the start of this project. He pointed out that youngsters and other unemployed people in St. Peters-South Reward had been included in the upgrading of their area and were now skilled bricklayers and masons, etc.
One group from that area has founded a company that is now bidding for Government work.
Work possibilities for people of the area were raised by State Secretary for Health Patrick Illidge, who was part of the gathering. Also present were Commissioner Frans Richardson and Hyacinth Richardson.
Several residents raised concerns about sewage that runs profusely on the streets in Middle Region and Defiance. They were adamant that this must be fixed with any improvement. Both Ruan and Heyliger told the residents that upgrading these areas was part of the plan.
Regular garbage collection was also an issue raised by residents, who pointed out that there were insufficient and inadequate places to put out their garbage, and to keep roaming pigs and other animals from rummaging through the refuse.
Concerning garbage, Heyliger said a solution was in the works that would eventually ensure that people in the neighbourhoods would get the job of collecting it.
The commissioner urged landowners in Middle Region and Defiance to cooperate with the upgrading project. He said that many people had built structures beyond their boundaries over the years, and now a compromise would be needed to get the land needed for sidewalks, garbage collection areas and other aspects of the project.
The Middle Region and Defiance Community Council had organised Monday evening's session. Other sessions will be organised as the project develops so residents can keep abreast with what is going on in their neighbourhood.
