IN a week’s time, senior citizens who had to brave the blistering sun and heavy downpour at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Post Office while collecting their monthly pensions will benefit from a shed which will be outfitted with chairs for their comfort.The project is 75% complete, and by this weekend, it will be commissioned and among the invitees are Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence.

This construction is another initiative of ‘D’ Division Commander Stephen Mansell, along with the support of a group of businessmen on the West Coast Demerara.

The Senior Superintendent yesterday told the Guyana Chronicle that he had observed the plight of the elderly and he approached several businessmen and they came onboard with materials and blocks, etc. and so the construction began.

The small building that houses the post office can only accommodate a few persons at a time, so the new shed would improve the comfort of the senior citizens while they wait for their pension on a monthly basis.

Mansell observed that often more than not, some 100 senior citizens would visit the Meten-Meer-Zorg Post Office, and they had to stand outside, often in flooded conditions. However, with assistance from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the drains were dug, and earth used to build up the area surrounding the small bridge.

It was noted yesterday during a visit to the facility that the inside of the compound was inundated but there are plans to concrete under the shed and also construct washroom facilities for the older folks.

Mansell added that the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has given them their full cooperation in this endeavor and new signs will be affixed to the building, including the re-painting of the Post Office sign.

The senior officer stated that a similar project will also be undertaken at the Den Amstel Post Office for the benefit of the elderly.