MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Ganga Persaud, after numerous recommendations to have the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of Canal Numbers One and Two, West Bank Demerara, suspended, on Friday, officially established an Interim Management Committee (IMC) comprising  18 members to better manage the two communities.

Ms. Chandroutie Bhagwandas, previously overseer of the Canals NDC, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that the swearing-in was done at the Kawall Primary School, last week Wednesday.
She said the Local Government Ministry had received several complaints from the NDC, stating that for the past eight months, it was unable to hold statutory meetings due to the absence of councillors.
The ministry subsequently sought, through a notice in the newspapers, residents’ views on the NDC and the way forward.
Bhagwandas said the Principal Municipal Officer, Ms. Nandranie Harricharan, supported by Mr. Floyd Patterson, also of the ministry, conducted the exercise, at which a large number of persons gave evidence.

BE DISSOLVED
Following this, it was recommended that the NDC be dissolved and the minister consulted with the community groups and faith-based organisations prior to administering the oath to the IMC members, she related.
Bhagwandas said the main thrust of this initiative is to ensure that residents benefit from more efficient delivery of Government services at the community level.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Mr. Julius Faerber, said he is pleased with the establishment of the IMC and reiterated that the NDC members will have to make many sacrifices to get the works done within the various communities.
He told the leaders of the IMC that they are expected to go out and perform in the interest of the people within.
Chairman of the IMC is Mr. Dhanraj Bipath and the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Seelall Shivcharan.
A Government Information News Agency (GINA) release said Minister Persaud warned IMC members that having a position in public office can be challenging, but they must not stop doing what is in the best interest of the people.
He also outlined the rules to the 10 persons from Canal Number Two and eight from Canal Number One.
Persaud advised them, as well that their service requires commitment and dedication and they must be willing to give of themselves for the good of others, as this does not only call for attendance at meetings but interaction, interfacing and relating with persons within the constituency.
He urged that they utilise the IMC resources for their intended purposes, pointing out that the NDC has no authority at all, whatsoever, to give anybody approval to occupy reserves, to sell state lands or attempt to do so.