Anna Regina Town Council also receives garbage truck
THE Anna Regina Town Council yesterday received a compactor truck from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to assist with its garbage collection. The vehicle is one of ten such that were procured by the ministry, from National Hardware Store, at a total cost of $38M, for disbursement to the various municipalities.
New Amsterdam, Corriverton and Rose Hall have already been in receipt of one each but Georgetown was given three to operate along with those currently in operation within the capital, although the garbage pile-up remains a controversial issue.
Mayor Sammy Rampersaud, of Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast, received the keys to the gift vehicle at a handing over ceremony at the Ministry in Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown.
With Rampersaud were Deputy Mayor Darshan Persaud and Acting Town Clerk Diane Critchlow.
Minister within the Ministry, Mr.  Norman Whittaker, who officiated at the function, said the initiative was important in helping to keep the municipal environment clean and represents part of Government’s efforts to support the work of the townships.
He observed that Anna Regina Town Council is responsible for the disposal of garbage over a seven miles range and from approximately 1,000 households.
The municipality, at present, has only one tractor/trailer for waste disposal and, hence, this “costly piece of equipment” would tremendously complement its work in that area, the minister pointed out.
Rampersaud said he was very pleased to be accepting the truck that will be of benefit to residents in the town. He added that the one truck that had previously been in place was being used for other purposes and the additional one would be very useful.
Rampersaud also said he noticed there was an increase in garbage and the buildings going up in the area that necessitated donations like this one. He assured the minister that the vehicle would be well taken care of and used in the proper way.
Present at the ceremony, too, were Permanent Secretary, Collin Croal and Chief Regional Developmental Officer, Seewchan.