‘Model Village’ plans target East Coast transformation

August 7 2026

The Government is moving ahead with plans to transform several East Coast Demerara communities into safer, cleaner and more sustainable settlements under its Model Village Initiative.

President Dr Irfaan Ali led consultations on Thursday in Non Pareil, Melanie, Mon Repos, Good Hope and Enmore, where residents were presented with preliminary development plans and invited to provide feedback before implementation.

The initiative is designed to go beyond physical infrastructure, with a focus on improving public services, community safety, economic opportunities, environmental management and residents’ overall quality of life.

In Non Pareil and Melanie, which cover approximately 470 acres and 1,730 households, proposed works include more than 26,900 metres of walkways, over 43,000 metres of concrete drains, 32,200 metres of hardened road shoulders, bridge and culvert rehabilitation, 122 additional streetlights, replacement of more than 100 utility poles and expanded fire hydrant coverage.

Ali said the programme will allow communities to retain their individual identities while benefiting from a consistent standard of public services.

In Mon Repos, plans include CCTV coverage, upgraded roads and drainage, improvements to the Mon Repos Market, designated spaces for vendors and small businesses, industrial parking, recreational upgrades and expanded fire protection.

The Government also intends to organise businesses such as mechanic and spray-painting shops into designated areas rather than displacing operators from the community.

Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall said the transformation will be pursued through cooperation with residents, with the preliminary plans subject to further consultation.

Good Hope is also included in the first phase, with proposed improvements targeting roads, drainage, public spaces, security, emergency systems and environmental management.

Enmore, meanwhile, is being earmarked for a stronger industrial and manufacturing role because of its potential for economic expansion.

The Government is finalising several private-sector investments for the community, while plans are also being developed for an Agro-Development Area to support new businesses and industry.

The initiative also proposes bringing skilled machinists from the GuySuCo estate together to establish a machine shop and improving transport connections between Enmore and the wider East Coast corridor.

Enmore covers approximately 408 acres and has about 8,000 households. Key challenges identified include flooding, inadequate street lighting, limited fire hydrant and CCTV coverage and derelict vehicles.

Proposed upgrades include concrete drainage, paved walkways, landscaping, solar street lighting, expanded CCTV coverage and the replacement of approximately 250 utility poles.

The Government is also considering designated areas for industrial and manufacturing activities, an upgraded market and food court and space for a crematorium.

The Model Village Initiative is being piloted in 23 communities across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six, with plans for a wider national rollout following the pilot phase.

Officials say resident feedback will be used to refine the plans before construction begins.