By Michel Outridge 

BEING the first female to head the Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Indrani Ramnarine is optimistic they will see further development in the community.

She disclosed that the Golden Grove NDC has embarked on several projects within the community such as garbage collection once weekly in all nine constituencies and the cleaning and maintenance of the four foot drains and main canals.

Ramnarine added that they offer private accumulated refuse collection service at a minimal cost and provide breakfast once monthly for senior citizens at the Grove Post Office.

In giving an outline of the work of the NDC, she stated that they also provide awards and incentives for their top performers at various exams from the nine schools within the NDC at various exams.

She pointed out that the NDC is seeking assistance from respective ministries to enhance and build infrastructures such as roads, bridges, walkways etc., within the community.

Ramnarine noted that in addition, the NDC has an ‘Open Day’ when residents can visit and air their concerns for redress.

The NDC Chair reported that they also monitor construction of buildings and related structures to ensure regulations are in order.

“Our catchment begins from Great Diamond and ends at Grove including, the Diamond New Scheme and Grove New Scheme, Old Grove Squatting Area, Kaneville and Samatta Point,” she said.

Ramnarine disclosed that the NDC has some challenges such as improper and reckless disposal of garbage and household items by residents.

“They throw items in our trenches, back drains and on parapets,” she said.

Illegal vending along the main access roads and in various streets is also a problem and when NDC officials intervene, the defaulters are very abusive and would make threats, she reported.

“Many residents still have not been paying their taxes and many internal streets within the schemes especially have to be built or rebuilt. The NDC does not build roads and streets, we maintain them,” Ramnarine said.

Ramnarine added that although her position with the NDC isn’t a paid one, she does it anyway because she is community-oriented.

On the other hand, Ramnarine is an Education Officer in Training and she tries to balance both portfolios.