Tuschen is set to benefit from 1,500 streetlights and 168 security cameras as part of the Government’s model village initiative, which is being piloted in several communities across the country.
The announcement was made during President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s third public consultation at Tuschen Secondary School, where residents were briefed on planned upgrades for the community.
President Ali said the programme is aimed at transforming communities beyond physical infrastructure, with a focus on improving quality of life, safety, recreation, drainage, economic activity and community order.
“This programme that seeks to transform communities is not only about infrastructure. It’s about a transformation of every citizen’s life,” the President said.
He said the Government wants communities that are safe, structured and peaceful, where families can grow, children can play, and the elderly can move around comfortably.
During the presentation, Minister Deodat Indar explained that the model village initiative is a commitment previously made by President Ali, covering areas such as drainage, roads, garbage collection, green spaces, security cameras and other community improvements.
On security, Indar said the plan falls under the Safe Country, Safe City approach, with cameras to be linked to the security systems of the Guyana Police Force and other law enforcement agencies.
According to the summary presented to residents, 1,500 streetlights will be installed in Tuschen, while 168 security cameras will be placed across the community.
“1,500 streetlights are going to be installed here. We already have it in stock and the programme to roll it out is ongoing,” Indar said.
He added that the 168 cameras will be spread throughout the area to improve security and support law enforcement response.
“168 cameras will be all over this place,” Indar said, noting that the cameras will capture suspicious activity and send information to the police for action.
The wider model village plan also includes road and drainage upgrades, a new market, bus sheds, a truck parking area, school and health centre improvements, fire hydrants, green spaces and enhanced community infrastructure.
Indar said Tuschen has 3,946 households, 34 kilometres of roads, 89 kilometres of drains and 157 roads across new and old Tuschen.
He said concrete drains, strengthened road shoulders, proper lighting and landscaping will form part of the upgrade, but urged residents to help maintain the improvements by keeping road shoulders and public spaces clear.
A 2,000-square-foot market is also planned for Light Street, with Indar saying Government intends to move away from makeshift vending arrangements and raise community standards. He said approximately $1.5 billion will be spent in the community.
President Ali said the consultation was intended to allow residents to give feedback on the planned initiatives and raise other community concerns.
Tuschen is among several communities selected for the initial pilot of the model village programme, which President Ali said is intended to build communities with their own identity, economic activity and improved quality of life.
