WORKS towards the restoration of Le Repentir Cemetery, in Georgetown, have slowed due to the unavailability of tools and other necessities, City Councillor Ranwell Jordan reported yesterday.

In a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle, he said the responsible committee, at its last meeting, decided some equipment have to be repaired.

As such, two power saws and a brushcutter were taken for repairs yesterday and he expressed hope that business entities will soon honour their pledges to donate tools to the municipality.

Mr. Jordan said another problem encountered is that prisoners who work daily on the site are now exposed to bee hives and arrangements have to be made for the removal of the insects.

On the positive side, he said, after the bank account to also receive local and overseas donations was established, one person contributed G$100,000.

Jordan said, the account, exclusively for that purpose, was opened on November 30, with him, Acting Town Clerk, Ms. Yonnette Pluck and Chairman and Treasurer of the Cemetery Finance Committee, Mrs. Rahema Rahaman, as signatories.

The source of finance is necessary as the City Engineer’s Department does not have the requisites to accomplish the task and purchases have to be made, he explained.

Jordan said, as compared to previous years, the burial ground has not been subjected to flooding currently although heavy downpours are being experienced.

He also noted that there are less persons, often referred to as the social rejects, living at the location and vandalism has decreased.

Jordan said this could have been the result of the City Constabulary posting night guards, as well.

He is optimistic, though, that the construction of a perimeter fence will commence by the end of January and be completed by April, so that security at the site can be bolstered.

Jordan said, because of the deplorable conditions existing at the cemetery, the Committee meets often to discuss its restoration plans.