— New Amsterdam town clerk

THE New Amsterdam municipality has seen a four per cent increase in revenue collection overall during the period 2015-2016, but tax collection also decreased by four per cent during that period, Town Clerk Sharon Alexander said.
She told the Guyana Chronicle that during the period referenced, revenue collection jumped from 73 per cent to 77 per cent while tax collection moved downwards from 51 per cent to 47 per cent.

Despite the reduction, a number of works were carried out, including clearing of overgrowth from parapets, the cemetery and parks and desilting of the drainage system.
As a result of the works done, flooding was only experienced in December and it was due to intense rains and high tide.
The back market, inclusive of a solitary block, was constructed to the tune of $13M with funding by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Stalls were being built to accommodate vendors, who sell on the road shoulders. Cameras were also installed in the market.

Meanwhile, several training sessions were conducted for the elected Council by Caribbean Local and Economic Development (CARILED) through the Ministry of Communities.
These training sessions sought to enable the elected Council to better understand their roles and functions. Sessions were also conducted with Council staff and citizens in order to establish a Municipal Development Plan.
This year, the Council will be rehabilitating several streets in the township, some of which are 6th Street Islington, Middle Street at Mayor and Town Council Scheme, Lot 38 Stanleytown and a Pathway, Lot 30 also at Stanleytown.
Rehabilitation works will also be done to the municipal stores and the front elevation of the Town Hall.

Several internal capacity building training sessions are planned for municipal workers to enhance customer service and computerise the tax collection system.
All property owners or their representatives, who are indebted to the Council, are encouraged to honour their obligation as soon as possible. The Council is striving to develop every community within the township and requires the support of citizens to do so.

With indiscriminate dumping of garbage prevalent in the township, solid waste management continues to be a great challenge, and the Council plans to fine persons who are found guilty of this act. It is also looking to acquire machinery to assist in this regard. Town Clerk, Sharon Alexander, said if domestic waste is not collected in a timely manner, citizens are advised to call the Mayor and Town Council on telephone numbers 333-2104, 333-2667, 333-4422.
She also said approval must be granted by the Council in writing, for construction of any property, which includes fencing and access (bridge/footpath) or any area.

Anyone who fails to comply with the Municipal and District Council’s Act, Chapter 28:01, as it relates to the above will be fined, she said, and noted that all payments must be made only to the cashier of the Council.
The Council is highly understaffed in a number of key areas, especially the Constabulary and Town Engineer’s Department and is keen in having these vacant positions filled urgently. This is all in keeping with providing an efficient service to its tax payers, the town clerk said.