I wish to refer to an article published in the Kaieteur News on Saturday June 9, 2012
“Flooding shuts down Anna Regina Market”. I was spellbound as I look at the picture of the total market being flooded. The backhoe which was bought in our tenure for millions of dollars and many assets have either not been used at all for years because the council cannot buy fuel and spare parts or are collecting taxes below the capacity to sustain the council. We still have far too many clogged-up trenches and canal with weeds in the township which need cleaning to avoid flooding or inefficiently clean. Both the backhoe and the tractor and trailer have for the past few years been out of order.
For example, drainage systems malfunction and operate inefficiently because of inadequate maintenance or failure to correct some minor fault. The Minister of Local Government Mr. Ganga Persaud must act urgently to remove the many problems which have in the present and past hampered the township. One of the most important of these is the problem of bad management. He must do so urgently and save this government from embarassment.The prospect of developing this town into a highly recognised one is closely linked with the question of good municipal governance.
The government just completed the construction of a beautiful town hall at a cost of $50 million in my tenure as the Mayor acting.
Once we have understood and accept the general approaches to development of our town and country, we must focus upon the particular things we have to do to achieve our objectives. And we must do these things in a carefully planned and systematic way. In the final analysis, development does not come about by harassing taxpayers for placing a bench in front of their fences and by making or understanding statements of principles and policies. It comes about because the Mayor, councillors and workers are willing to do their work or become involved in the activities which are consistent with these principles and policies.
Over the years, the government has made massive investments in the Anna Regina Town Council. The Minister of Local Government must now ensure that the taxpayers get real benefits from its investment.