During the visit, the minister and his team held consultations with local representatives and residents on the infrastructure challenges in the area. The further improvement of the road connection between Apoera and Southdrain was central to the discussions.
According to Tsang, the current connection must for the time being be regarded as an emergency road. Although the road is now accessible, additional works are necessary to improve accessibility and road safety.
The minister indicated that District Commissioner Kevin Bronne had already repeatedly drawn attention to the infrastructure problems about a year ago, after the collapse of the bridge near Witagron. At the time, however, the available financial resources were insufficient to carry out the desired works.
Laterite to further improve road connection
In the short term, the ministry, together with the district commissioner’s office, will investigate at which locations laterite can be extracted to further improve the road. Surfacing the road will form a next phase in the works.
Tsang also personally travelled on the road connection during his visit to gain an impression of its current condition and bottlenecks. Based on the findings, a study will be conducted to determine the further approach.
According to the minister, the president has pledged that the road will be given priority. However, concrete funding for the full paving is not yet available.
Better access to healthcare and education
Chair of the Ressortsraad, Suzanne Samuels, stressed that a better road connection with Nickerie is important not only for transport, but also for access to essential services.
According to her, improved accessibility could enable residents to make easier use of healthcare services. Young people could also gain more opportunities to pursue education at senior level.
Basja Anoeska van den Burg expressed appreciation on behalf of the local community for the commitment to further surface the road. At the same time, on behalf of the kapitein, she drew attention to other infrastructure problems, including the repair of several bridges and the need to expand the staff of the Apoera department.
District Commissioner points to importance of road connection
District Commissioner Kevin Bronne stressed that cooperation between the government and the local community is necessary to further advance the development of Kabalebo.
“Only together can we make progress. By working together, we will realise the development that is so necessary for this area,” Bronne said.
The district commissioner also recounted a personal experience in which he nearly sank while travelling by water. With this, he sought to make clear how vulnerable the area’s accessibility had been for years.
According to Bronne, the first positive effects of the opening of the road are already noticeable. He pointed, among other things, to increasing activity in the area during weekends.
DNA member wants full paving included in budget
DNA member Iona Edwards also spoke about the importance of the road connection. She said she was moved by the progress that has been made so far.
At the same time, she warned that there is still no reason to be fully satisfied. According to Edwards, the full paving of the route remains the ultimate goal.
She announced that, together with her colleagues in De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament), she would work to secure the necessary funds for the paving in the OWRO budget.
According to the officials involved, the further development of the Apoera–Southdrain road must contribute to better accessibility of Kabalebo and create more opportunities for education, healthcare and economic activities. When the full paving can actually begin will also depend on the availability of financial resources.
