President Irfaan Ali has announced an ambitious suite of infrastructure and housing projects aimed at transforming Yupukari and its satellite communities, marking a significant step in the government’s commitment to regional development and Indigenous advancement.
During a visit to Yupukari, President Ali pledged the construction of at least 1,000 core homes across Region Nine in the government’s next term, with a substantial expansion of the Housing Support and Core Homes project. The initiative is designed to address longstanding housing needs and improve living standards for hundreds of families throughout the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region.
Highlighting the government’s recent investments, President Ali noted that $450 million has already been funneled into infrastructure upgrades in villages including Katoka, Yupukari, Fly Hill, and Kaicumbay. The President emphasized that these investments are part of a broader philosophy to continually strengthen and enhance hinterland communities.
In response to transportation challenges faced by residents, President Ali announced that two minibuses have been procured for the satellite villages, and an ambulance has been added to support emergency services in Yupukari. These measures aim to improve mobility and access to essential services.
Education infrastructure has also received a boost with the commissioning of the new Yupukari Secondary School, which will serve approximately 200 students from Yupukari and neighboring communities. This development is expected to significantly reduce the need for students to travel long distances or reside in dormitories, ensuring better access to quality education.
Further infrastructure upgrades include the conversion of the Yupukari and Fly Hill Bridge from wood to concrete, ongoing improvements to the road from Katoka Junction to Fly Hill, and assessments for upgrading the six-kilometre stretch from Parishara to Kaicumbay. Additionally, a project targeting 516 households will provide each with a rainwater harvesting tank, and plans are underway to enhance Kaicumbay’s sports ground and explore the establishment of a housing scheme there.
President Ali’s announcements have been met with optimism from community members and leaders, who see these initiatives as pivotal for economic growth, improved quality of life, and the empowerment of Indigenous populations. The projects are set to further integrate hinterland villages into the national development agenda, ensuring that progress reaches even the most remote communities.
