MINISTER in the Ministry of Local Government, Norman Whittaker, on Thursday, handed over a compactor truck to the Mon Repos/La Reconnaissance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) on the East Coast of Demerara at the ministry’s compound in Kingston, Georgetown.

The NDC received one of 10 garbage trucks that the Ministry of Local Government is distributing to various regions. The vehicles had been purchased to ensure that municipalities are equipped to handle the garbage situation in their areas.
The Local Government Ministry bought 10 of the trucks from National Hardware at a cost of $38M.
Present at the ceremony were Minister of Local Government, Ganga Persaud, Minister Whittaker, Permanent Secretary Collin Croal, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Abena Moore, Chairwoman of the Mon Repos / La Reconnaissance NDC, Annette Dass and other officials of the NDC and the ministry.
Minister Persaud said the truck was assigned earlier this year to the Anna Regina Municipality but it has now being reassigned to the Mon Repos La Reconnaissance NDC for their use.

MORE NEEDY ENTITY
He stated that given the proactive and progressive manner in which the Anna Regina municipality has been managing their solid waste, it was recommended that the ministry should repossess the truck and give it to a more needy entity.
The minister said that he was advised that some-time ago, a compactor truck was promised to this NDC and so he and Minister Whittaker have tried to fulfill that promise.
He noted that the truck is not a new one but it is in perfectly good working condition and will be able to do the job just fine.
He urged the NDC to care this piece of machinery and advised that it be loaned when necessary to assist other NDCs in need of support services on the East Coast.
Persaud reiterated the need for special care of the truck as it is not brand new and it must be serviced regularly.
Minister Whittaker endorsed the advice given to the NDC officials by the Local Government Minister.
He pointed out that the NDC uses tractors for the garbage collection within the areas in which they operate and it was recognised that a more modern approach was needed.
Chairwoman Dass said that the truck will be cared for and assured that it will be put to good use as the NDC considers this a very valuable piece of machinery, which will make work easier for the NDC.

(By Savitri Laikram)