President Bouterse announces several projects

President Desi Bouterse, chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP), on Saturday night announced several projects at a crowded meeting in the Nickerie District. Bouterse told the Nickerie residents that Basic Health Insurance (BAZO) cards could be handed out in the Nickerie District. The machines that are needed to print the cards will be sent to the Nickerie District so that the residents of the nation’s rice district do not have to travel all the way to the capital. The government’s objective is to swiftly’ provide the Nickerie residents with a BAZO card. “This should not be a problem,” said the head of state who also announced that the Nickerie River would be dredged so that the economic activities could increase.

The public market located at Nieuw Nickerie will also be given a facelift. A growing number of travellers are flocking to the socalled backtrack route due to the fact that the Canawaima Ferry Service has halted its operations. The authorities want to beef up surveillance at the backtrack crossing and upgrade the infrastructure. Public housing projects will be carried out in all resorts. Next week a delegation will give information to the Nickerie Residents about the Construction Fund and the Credit Fund. People who can produce a pay check but who have a job will be given a soft loan. “Small rice farmers must have access to cheap capital. There will be jobs,” said the president who added that people with diplomas will find jobs. When Bouterse crossed the Henar Bridge on Friday he pointed out that the bridge must be repaired. The 4 kilometer long Krappahoeklaan and the 700 meter long Radjastanweg will also be paved. The head of state on Friday also officially opened Pritipaul Singh’s Orbilo fish processing company.