By Mark DaCosta- The Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed, and his team have brought to light the pressing needs of the community, laying bare the persistent hardships faced by its residents. This small riverine settlement, with a population of approximately 80 primarily consisting of Indigenous Guyanese from the Akawaio and Arekuna nations, has become an important case study in the failure of the government’s promises and policies to reach every citizen, regardless of their size or location.
During a visit, Mohamed, accompanied by other key figures such as MP Dr. Andre Lewis and Regional Vice Chairman Alden Marslowe, heard first-hand accounts of the struggles that plague the 14 families residing in this tranquil yet neglected area of Region 7. The advocacy team was confronted with several urgent issues that have remained unaddressed by the government, leading to a heightened sense of frustration among the residents who have voiced their concerns about vital needs such as clean drinking water, education transportation, and adequate housing.
The dire lack of access to safe drinking water is one of the most critical issues brought to Mohamed’s attention. Residents in Sakaralla Bay are forced to purchase their drinking water from Bartica, a situation that not only strains their finances but also raises concerns over health and hygiene. Previous appeals for a water well installation were met with dismissals from government representatives, who deemed the community too small to qualify for assistance. This alarming stance from the government demonstrates a blatant disregard for the basic human rights of all citizens, highlighting a broader systemic issue.
Another pressing concern that emerged from Mohamed’s visit was the pollution of the nearby river caused by mining activities. This contamination has rendered the water unsafe for bathing and basic daily chores, compounding the community’s struggles with hygiene. The residents’ health is under constant threat as they grapple with inadequate sanitation, making the need for a clean water source all the more urgent.
The school’s transportation issues were also laid bare, with residents expressing their frustration over the inadequate infrastructure surrounding the school boat. The stepping platform for students is dangerously short and poorly constructed, forcing them to wade through mud and slush to access transport during low tide. Such neglect not only jeopardizes the safety of the children but also hinders their educational opportunities.
In addition, the deteriorating condition of the school boat itself is a troubling concern. With significant damage and the visible threat of rotting wood, the boat poses a serious safety risk to the twelve children who rely on it for their school commute. The vessel is equipped with an underpowered 15 HP engine, further endangering the safety of these young students, especially since the boat is also used for medical emergencies. Mohamed’s visit highlighted the urgent need for repairs and upgrades to this essential mode of transport, which the government has repeatedly ignored.
The safety concerns extend beyond the vessel itself, as residents stressed the urgent need for life jackets for the children. Without proper safety equipment, the welfare of these students is constantly compromised, with their daily commutes through varying river conditions leaving them vulnerable. This oversight in ensuring basic safety measures speaks volumes about the government’s failure to prioritise the well-being of our nation’s future generation.
Housing conditions in Sakaralla Bay are nothing short of alarming. Several families live under makeshift tents that offer inadequate protection from the elements, a grim reality that continues to persist despite significant budget allocations supposedly set aside for housing initiatives. The government’s collective negligence has left these citizens in perilous living conditions, illustrating the stark disconnection between political promises and the on-ground reality faced by many communities.
In shining a spotlight on these issues, the Opposition Leader has made it abundantly clear that urgent and decisive measures must be taken to meet the needs of all Guyanese citizens, particularly those in underprivileged areas. The residents of Sakaralla Bay deserve access to basic services, dignity, and the promise of a better quality of life, which should not be dictated by geographical size or economic productivity. According to an analyst, ,”Dignity of life and other basics of living are human rights, regardless of the size of communities, and any departure from those basic principles represent failures of governance.”
