Work continues on the Orealla/Siparuta road today

Work continues on the Orealla/Siparuta road today
Kaieteur News, 8 October 2007

OREALLA, CORENTYNE RIVER – Work is to recommence on the
Orealla/Siparuta road today.

Over the years a number of people were responsible for the project at
different stages. The last set of work was done by the Orealla Village
Council. That was to drain the swamplands and carry out revetment work
on the road.

Since the villagers never approved of outside contractors doing the
job, the project restarted in February this year when the Orealla
Village Council satisfied the necessary criteria including the
procurement law and compliance. That decision was to the satisfaction
of the Village Council.

Twenty-five residents of Orealla and Siparuta were employed and the
funds remained within the reservation. The cost of that job was $4
million and was funded through the 2006 Capital Works Programme of the
Region Six Democratic Council.

This new phase calls for heavy equipment and machinery which are beyond
the reach of the Orealla Village Council, hence an outside contractor
was selected.

The $5.2 million contract was awarded to Somdat Lorick of Number 48
Village on the Corentyne. Toshao of Orealla, McLean Devair said it is
expected that the contractor would provide jobs for some of the local
residents.

The eight-mile stretch of road, which is located in the vicinity of the
Tarakuri Creek, is being upgraded to crushed stone.

The Orealla/Siparuta road project is a part of the $46 million allotted
in this year's regional budget.

Last Monday, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud launched Agriculture
Month in that hinterland community. He had said that the road when
completed would not only link the two communities but boost their
agricultural drive.