At community meeting…
RESIDENTS of Cullen and Perseverance villages, on Essequibo Coast, raised several concerns with Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Chairman, Mr. Alli Baksh at a face the community meeting Wednesday afternoon.
One resident, Mr. Lall Saywack, a former coordinator with the Regional Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) Department, said the shoreline between La Union and Suddie is a major worry.
He said the area is very vulnerable to the Atlantic Ocean because the sea defence structures are weak.
Another man, who did not state his name, said some villagers are willfully cutting down trees along the foreshore between Cullen and Perseverance.
Responding, Baksh said Government is currently spending $250M to fix the Zorg sea defence that had collapsed several months ago and build earthen embankments along the Good Hope foreshore.
He said construction work is also in progress next to the sluice in Golden Fleece and Government is expending $300M annually on sea defences in the Region.
Baksh informed, as well, that the Regional Administration will be cleaning all internal drains within housing schemes and residential areas, in view of predicted heavy rainfall expected to start in the middle of April.
He said all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and Anna Regina Town Council officials will ensure that is done.
Issues concerning potable water and electricity for people living along Tara Street in Cullen were also discussed and several other matters, including pubic assistance, the El Nino crisis, occupation of Government reserves and health services were on the agenda.
At the meeting, too, were Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Parmanand Persaud and Chairman of Annandale/Riverstown NDC, Mr. Bash Narine.