Indigenous communities benefitting from much-needed creek clearing

THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) last week signed off approximately $4 million in contracts for the clearing of creeks in several Amerindian communities in the region.

The signing was done in the RDC boardroom in the presence of the Regional Executive Officer, Susannah Saywack.

Wakapoa and Akawani received $1.1 million each to clean and clear their area. It includes the cutting of overhanging trees, cleaning of floating stuff, and cutting of overgrown bushes that impede the waterways leading to the community.

The St Monica, Kabakaburi and Bethany Village Councils received $600,000 each to clean and clear their area. The money will be used also to cut the overhanging trees, clean floating stuff, and also provide a clear passage for boats traversing the area.

The Kabakaburi Village Council will be involved in the clearing of the Waiwaroo creek. The Toshoas were tasked to ensure that the monies are spent on improving access to the communities and to allow free flow of water and boats.

The Toshaos extended gratitude to the Region Two administration for the funds. They said that money will be used by the council to ensure that all entrances leading to the Amerindian community in the Upper Pomeroon River are cleared of excessive floating islands.

Wakapoa Toshao, Lloyd Pereira, said that he was happy that his Council received a larger allocation to clear the creek this year.

Clearing he said will be done in both upper and lower Wakapoa creek areas, especially in the Koria creek. He also said that the Village Council will be involved in removing small islands floating in the water and pinning them down. He also said that the reefs will be removed with more heavy power engines.

Pereira extended grati- tude to the Regional Administration for finances that will be used to clear the creek in the Wakapoa communities.

Toshao for Bethany community, Sonia Latchman, also extended gratitude to the regional administration. She said her community looks forward to the funds yearly to help in the enhancement.

The clearing of creeks is an ongoing activity by the Village Councils in the various communities. Often, bushes block the entrance areas to most of the riverain communities making it impassable for passengers and residents visiting the communities.