MOU signed for multiple road use by miners, forestry operators

Georgetown, GINA, October 23, 2007

Multiple use of hinterland roads which have resulted in numerous disputes, mainly between miners and forestry operators who have been granted licence, concessions and permits, is soon to be resolved.
            A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has outlined regulations that will bring amicable solutions to the long standing problem of hindered access to miners and forestry operators.
            Prime Minister Samuel Hinds accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, today presented and discussed the details of the MOU with the media at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Accompanying them were Adviser to the President on Community Development Odinga Lumumba, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, Commissioner (ag) of the GGMC William Woolford and Commissioner of the GFC James Singh.
The MOU which caters for two or more parties/stakeholders is a general agreement outlining requirements for payment of tolls, road maintenance, environmental management and other conditions for access and usage.

Part of the agreement stated that drivers must familiarise themselves with unique traffic system and rules normally practiced in logging areas and to abide by them.
Prime Minister Hinds, who is also the Minister responsible for mining, noted that even though Government has demonstrated impartiality by allowing multiple access to the construction of hinterland roads has always been a costly intervention.
“These roads are easy to deteriorate, particularly in the rainy weather and they require quite a significant sum of money to maintain them. However, they are essential for development, in our hinterland for people in forestry, mining and hinterland residents,” Mr. Hinds noted.
He added that the MOU will facilitate the need for collaboration among stakeholders who work in the hinterland and also aid in the sharing of infrastructure costs.
The GGMC, the watchdog agency for the mining sector is still maintaining vigilance on lawful use of roads by miners and environmental requirements. Small and medium scale miners were placed in the negative spotlight following the destruction of the road linking Mahdia to Salbora in Region Eight.
Minister Persaud who is responsible for Forestry noted that the agreement makes provisions for only legitimate users for commercial purposes.  However, amnesty is granted to interior residents.
“The MOU and the agreement today is a critical element that will allow multiple use of the interior in a manner that is consistent with government’s policies,” Minister Persaud noted.
  Multiple access to hinterland roads has been engaging the attention of Government as early as 1994. In 2003, a committee was established to satisfy the concern of all stakeholders following an increase in economic activities.
After several meetings with these stakeholders, the first draft of the proposed Road Users Agreement was established and was given Cabinet’s approval.

 

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