- additional infrastructural upgrades to be done at landing site
- shrimp-pickers to benefit from improved facilities, Black Giant Birds
During a community outreach to Zeeburg on the West Coast of Demerara on Tuesday, Agriculture
Minister Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha said that additional infrastructural works will be executed to further
enhance the landing site in the area.
He told residents that the additional works formed part of an ongoing landing site and wharf
enhancement programme that President Dr. Irfaan Ali conceptualized. The programme aims to
significantly improve the facilities at major landing sites across the country.
“Right here in Zeeburg, we did a project for the fisherfolk. We’ve been doing similar projects in other
parts of the country – constructing wharfs and landing sites. Our President visited several areas where
fisherfolk operate and instructed that a programme be developed to upgrade these facilities. We’ve
since built and installed sheds, washrooms, water facilities, lighting, and security at these facilities. Since
that programme started, the needs of the fisherfolk have increased, and we will continue to develop
these facilities. Fisherfolk here indicated that they need a ramp. I spoke to the Fisheries Officers, and
before the end of next week, we will advertise that project so that we can build the second ramp for the
fishermen,” he explained.
Minister Mustapha also said that additional facilities would be put in place to assist shrimp-pickers who
ply their trade at the landing site. He also said that the ministry will work with the group to implement a
Black Giant Poultry programme in the area.
“We’ve been encouraging persons to be multifaceted and look at different opportunities. So, the
persons who pick shrimps here, we’ll work with you. Firstly, I was told that there is a need for a new
facility so, we’ll construct a shed for them. Secondly, the GLDA will also work along with you. Each of you
will receive some Black Giant Chicks and a bag of feed so that you can start to produce your eggs and
increase your earnings,” Minister Mustapha explained.
While speaking on the transformation that has been taking place across the country, Minister Mustapha
said that persons residing in on West Coast of Demerara have and continue to feel the effects of the
transformative policies of the government.
“Our country is being transformed tremendously, and our future is bright. We’ve delivered all the
commitments made in our manifesto to the people of this country. We cannot be shortsighted. We have
to look at the bigger picture and take note of all the massive transformative projects that are going all
across the country. We are in the process of constructing twelve new hospitals, and one will be built in
De Kinderen. Most of the roads in this country have been rehabilitated. This region has seen massive
development. If the former government was still in power, this region would’ve been depressed. We are
currently constructing a new high-span four-lane bridge over the Demerara River. That will significantly
reduce the commute time for thousands of people. From August 1st, persons will be able to cross the
Demerara River toll-free,” Minister Mustapha explained.
Further, he told residents and farmers that in 2024, the agriculture sector grew by 11% as a result of the
government’s investments and the dedication of the farmers and stakeholders. He also said that while
investments are being made to develop the traditional sectors, a lot of emphasis is also being placed on
new industries within the agriculture sector.
“As a government, we have a vision, and this is one of the most important sectors for us. This sector is
the sector that guarantees food security. If the fishermen don’t bring in their catch, there wouldn’t be an
affordable source of protein for our citizens. If the cash crop farmers don’t plant, we wouldn’t have
access to fresh fruits and vegetables. With the investments we are making, the sector has been
experiencing tremendous growth. Last year, every sub-sector in the agriculture sector, except for sugar,
experienced tremendous growth. The agriculture sector grew by 11% in 2024. While the sectors are
growing, we are also introducing new high-value crops like corn, cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli. There
is a growing demand for these commodities in the hospitality and the oil and gas industries,” he
explained.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Deodat Indar, told residents that the government has
invested heavily to ensure community roads are rehabilitated. He told residents that the ongoing
programme will see all community roads in the area upgraded before the end of the year. Minister Indar
also said that the Ministry of Public Works will facilitate the installation of additional lights for the
landing site.
