In light of the approaching rainy season and to maintain the general cleanliness of Guyana, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and relevant agencies have been aggressively expediting drainage and irrigation works and clean-up campaigns. The Ministers of Local Government and Regional Development and Transport and Hydraulics, Kellawan Lall and Robeson Benn, yesterday engaged the 15 Region Four Neighbourhood Democratic Council Chairpersons and Overseers at a meeting at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development’s boardroom.
The meeting, which was conducted as an interactive informative session, highlighted several pertinent areas where Government, local authorities and citizens can collaborate to improve drainage systems, beautify the environment and remove encumbrances.
“There is a campaign going on with the assistance of the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture through the D&I system to do cleaning in different parts across the country, especially in Region Four, and we will try to continue that momentum throughout the year.  And here again we are asking citizens not to dispose of household waste, builders waste, derelict vehicles and scrap iron in an unsatisfactory manner,” Minister Lall said.
He urged the NDCs to be proactive in ensuring that quality works are expedited in a timely manner. In cases where resistances are met, he encouraged them to formally seek the assistance of the Police.
It was further emphasised that the NDCs should ensure that works are completed and maintained.
Concern over the time garbage is collected was raised and the Minister noted that an option is to reschedule the time. He encouraged the NDCs to mull over garbage being collected earlier in the mornings and during the afternoons.
In addition, NDCs were encouraged to keep their compounds clean and get rid of unserviceable equipment. A letter can be written to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary for assistance.
Some of the NDCs requested financial help to construct infrastructure, including foot bridges. Minister Lall stated that the Ministry is willing to assist them to expedite some of their urgent works, but the NDCs should look at reselling the unserviceable equipment, through the right procedures.
Minister Lall underscored the need for NDCs to intervene in arresting the issue of persons stealing clay as dams are vital for drainage and irrigation.
Furthermore, only the Ministry of Public Works and Communications is authorised to do so, following permission from the Ministry of local Government and Regional Development.
Another matter of concern raised was the naming of streets. “I had asked them to check to see if all the streets are properly named,… putting all these names on a legal footing…the NDCs have to go through a process of legitimizing those names, and areas where there are no names the process should be started,” Minister Lall stated.
It was noted that streets not having names may be as a result of the establishment of new housing schemes.
Minister Lall noted that while there is a presence of cattle on the East Coast, progress has been made in clearing some areas on the East Bank Demerara.
He noted that the Ministry is focusing on shifting the management of pounds from the police since they have other important tasks to carry out.
In addition, the NDCs can help in employing managers for these pounds and stray catchers.
Minister Lall noted that they are seeking the continued cooperation of the police in this effort, since there are many pounds that are in police station compounds. However, in areas where there are no pounds and there is vacant land, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Home Affairs, pounds should be constructed. This has been done in the Diamond/Grove area. In addition, since the initiative to locate vacant land to facilitate pounds, much progress has been seen in Corentyne and some areas in Essequibo. (GINA)