Kaneville to be transformed into safer and more resilient village

Kaneville, East Bank Demerara is one of several flagship communities set to undergo renovations as part of the Government’s ‘Model Villages’ initiative. President Dr Irfaan Ali led a Governmental outreach to the area on Tuesday afternoon to share the proposals with residents and hear direct feedback, concerns, and suggestions. Based on Government-obtained data, Kaneville spans approximately 219 acres and comprises more than 500 households. The outlined plan for the community includes three priority areas to develop a safer and more resilient village. These are: safer movement, efficient drainage, and a better public realm. [Photo: Office of the President/ August 4, 2026] Delivering the presentation to residents was Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn. She explained that improving community transport and drainage will see the construction of wider roadways, new walkways, concrete drains, eight bridges, and two culverts. Additionally, required interventions include the installation of 20 fire hydrants and 200 lights, while upgrades and relocations are expected to be carried out on 314 utility poles. As part of improving the public realm, further assessments and consultations will be carried out to determine placements for green spaces, playgrounds, garbage bins, street signs, parking locations, and other facilities. Minister Benn further spotlighted the role of residents in maintaining the community following renovations. [Photo: Office of the President/ August 4, 2026] “I really want each and every one of you to see yourselves as part of this process as well, because Government cannot do it alone. Government is going to help you to beautify, to improve [this village] of Kaneville. But after that, it is for you to maintain it in collaboration with your NDC.” Addressing residents, President Ali said the initiative will deliver a community that persons can enjoy and aspire to live in. “Imagine streets that are safe and you have children every afternoon laughing and playing and coming together… The community must offer care. We must care for each other. We must have good neighbourly relationships. And to have good neighbourly relationships, we have to get rid of some of the sores.” [Photo: Office of the President/ August 4, 2026] He urged community members to care for their surroundings while complying with laws. “We have to ensure that there is discipline, that there is compliance with the law. We have to have areas that are designated for different things. And we want everybody to coexist.”