MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud over the weekend urged Region One (Barima/Waini) residents and regional officials to work together to address the issues confronting the region, many of which can be resolved if there is more communication.

Persaud said during meetings with residents in Mabaruma, Wauna, Barabina, Kumaka, and Hosororo that there seems to be a disconnect between residents and regional officials as many of the concerns they raised such as the condition of the road and electricity supply could be dealt with at the regional level.
The minister expressed disappointment that there are not continuous engagements and urged that the regional officials conduct more interactive sessions with residents as the lack of information to some extent was causing unnecessary anxiety and second guessing on the part of the residents.
He also urged the officials that they keep residents informed about developments and to give them a forum through which to express their views and concerns.
The residents were reminded that the engagement is a two-way process and that they must be willing to sacrifice their time to be present and convey their concerns at the meeting and not to agitate for meetings and choose not to attend.
The minister during a meeting at Mabaruma had addressed the electricity situation, informing residents that by weekend their supply will be returned.
Currently, Mabaruma residents receive five hours of electricity daily and in an effort to increase the hours supplied and, to accommodate more households on the network, steps were made to secure a 750 KVA generator. Electricity is currently being supplied from a 625KVA system.
When the 1,000KVA transformer arrives within the next two months, Mabaruma will receive a normal supply.