Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed is calling for immediate government intervention following a recent visit to the hinterland community of Isseneru, where residents outlined a range of persistent challenges affecting their livelihoods.
Isseneru is an Indigenous village located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) of Guyana, along the Mazaruni River in the country’s remote hinterland. The community is primarily accessible by air or river, with limited road connectivity, making travel costly and time-consuming. Its distance from major administrative centres like Bartica contributes to ongoing challenges in accessing healthcare, social services, and infrastructure.
Mohamed, who leads We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), said the concerns raised highlight ongoing deficiencies in infrastructure and public services. WIN holds 16 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly, making it the largest opposition bloc.
The visiting delegation included Regional Vice Chair Alden Marslow and Members of Parliament Dawn Williams, Deon La Cruz, Duarte Hetsberger, and Dr. Andre Lewis.
Residents pointed to the continued high cost of airfare, noting that prices remain unchanged despite previous promises of reductions. Indigenous villagers also raised concerns about limited access to their own lands, while “foreigners can have access with no hassle,” and cited inaction by successive administrations on matters addressed by the International Commission on Human Rights.
Access to social services remains a major issue. Pensioners are reportedly required to travel to Bartica to collect payments due to the absence of outreach services. Residents said the $36,000 travel cost consumes a significant portion of the $46,000 monthly pension.
Concerns were also raised about basic infrastructure, including unreliable water supply despite significant investment in wells, and the absence of electricity despite the installation of poles and wiring years ago. Residents further highlighted poor-quality works carried out by external contractors, often leaving communities to undertake repairs themselves.
Additional issues included the need for a new primary school, improved emergency healthcare access such as a water ambulance, and urgent upgrades to road infrastructure. The road from Itaballi to Pappy Show was described as being in a deplorable condition, with calls for an all-weather road.
Residents are also advocating for an increase in the Presidential Grant from the current $1.5 million.
Mohamed said the situation in Isseneru reflects longstanding issues requiring urgent attention, and called on the government to act swiftly to improve the quality of life for residents.
