Road upgrades, police outpost planned for new LBI housing scheme

Residents of the new housing development at La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD), are set to benefit from a series of infrastructure and community improvements, including road upgrades, a police outpost, improved street lighting, and recreational facilities.

Minister of Housing Collin Croal met with residents of the scheme on Monday and outlined measures to improve infrastructure, security, and overall community development in the area.

The engagement was held at the invitation of residents and follows a similar meeting conducted last year to address concerns affecting the community.

Also present at the meeting were Head of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority Dr. Dwight Walrond, Dr. Randy Persaud of the Office of the President, Commander of Region 4 ‘C’ Division Khali Pareshram, and engineers of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Davindra Ramnarine, Orlando Arno, and Raefer Clinton.

During the meeting, Minister Croal announced that the scheme’s eastern and western main access roads, spanning about 5.56 kilometres, will be upgraded to asphalt. He said the project has already been tendered.

In addition, approximately 3.5 kilometres of cross streets linking to the main access roads will be developed as concrete roads to improve connectivity within the housing area.

Addressing residents’ concerns about security, the minister said a site has already been identified for the construction of a police outpost within the community. The outpost is expected to strengthen law enforcement presence and improve safety for residents.

Croal also said the CH&PA will move to replace non-functioning streetlights in the scheme, while overgrown sections of the community will be cleared and debushed.

On the issue of water supply, residents are currently connected to the existing LBI well system. However, the area is expected to benefit from the construction of a water treatment facility under Guyana Water Incorporated’s long-term plan to support expanding housing developments along the East Coast Demerara corridor.

The minister also announced that a site has been identified for a playfield as part of the government’s push to build sustainable communities. Works will be carried out to ensure residents have access to a recreational space for sports and other community activities.