More investments in infrastructure for farmers
- Vreed-en-Hoop/La Jalousie all-weather road commissioned
Georgetown, GINA, January 06, 2007.
Government continues to invest in necessary infrastructure that will support farmers’ activities to improve their livelihoods and at the same time advance agriculture in the country.
This was further displayed today with the commissioning of an all-weather access road at Vreed-en-Hoop/La Jalousie in Region Three that will benefit hundreds of farmers, especially those involved in rice cultivation. It was built at a cost of approximately $107M under the Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP) undertaken by Government to tackle poverty in Regions Two and Three.
Prior to construction of the roadway, farmers with combines and tractors had to use the earthen embankment which became impassable during the rainy weather, forcing them to use the main roadway. Residents often complained about the impact of the agricultural machinery on the roads and their threat to traffic safety. Thus, Government invested in establishing the 2.9-mile all-weather roadway that can accommodate the transport of produce particularly rice from the field to mills. This is in keeping with the administration’s vision of supporting farmers to increase productivity, boost income and improve their living standards. 
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who formally commissioned the project, urged that beneficiaries not only utilise and enjoy the infrastructure, but show appreciation for the investment made in their community.
He noted that they should be reminded of the previous state of the roadway and compare its present state because sometimes, developments are made and people do not appreciate the investments. Reference was made to the impact of the road that addresses residents’ traffic concerns and farmers’ need for improved access.
The Minister assured that Government will continue to make some investments not only in Region Three, but throughout the country. Other type of projects with other form of resources will be explored, he added.
Regional Chairman Julius Faerber and a Representative of the Water Users Association (WUA) of the area expressed gratitude for the investment and highlighted the project’s importance to the region’s continued development. 
The present administration has invested in similar projects to support farmers of various communities. Under the PRCSSP, all-weather roads were established at Naamryck and Parika Back in Region Three and at Airy Hall, Dartmouth and Queenstown in Region Two.
Other major investments were made through the Ministry of Public Works and Communications to upgrade roads in other prime agricultural communities such as De Hoop in Region Four and Mara and Black Bush Polder in Region Six. These multi-million dollars investments have enabled farmers to maximise production and profitability.
These are in keeping with Government’s commitment to agricultural development through which focus continues to be placed on training, development and transfer of appropriate technology and technical assistance and improved extension services.
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