With the familiar sound of dominoes hitting the table deck and the warmest smiles greeting a team of unfamiliar faces, some residents and seasoned players of Beterverwagting (BV) paused their game to share their thoughts on the welcomed development of their community.
In close proximity to the massive road and drainage rehabilitation work that is taking place in their community, while sitting under a shed on the corridor of the road, the gentlemen related to The El Dorado Beacon that they are very pleased with the transformational work that is taking place.
They also acknowledged that although the disruption is inconvenient for commuters, it is an understandable and necessary part of the process.
One of the men at the gathering said, “This isn’t about politics. We are happy to see that the young people are getting community jobs because of projects like these. Yes, we are inconvenienced because of the work that is happening, but it isn’t forever. In the long run, it will benefit all of us.”
Meanwhile, a taxi driver from BV, who requested to remain anonymous, described the initiatives as “proper.” According to him, it is refreshing to witness this level of development for himself compared to years of empty promises.
Adding a touch of humour to what was once an expensive frustration, the driver said, “I working this road for years as a taxi driver, around BV and throughout the East Coast, but this is the first time I feel really good to know that I can finally take all of my money home.
With the bad roads before, everything that I worked for was spent in the mechanic shop or getting a cold one at the supermarket.”
He continued, “I am not a drink man like that, but the stress of buying parts and fixing my car every week used to get to me, but no more. Now, it is a smooth ride from home to work and back, and the wife is happy too because she is now getting all that used to be finished in the shop.”
As it relates to the ongoing works that the gentlemen are speaking of, a video on the Ministry of Public Works Facebook page, along with a summary, is reflective of the ongoing project.
According to the MOPW, “The PPP/C Government through the Ministry of Public Works recently invested $60.6M to enhance the living standards of Beterverwagting’s residents by repairing 1.1km of Republic Drive- the community’s main access road”
Beterverwagting has benefited from other infrastructure improvements following community consultations led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo”
