– complain about poor roads, drainage woes
– Min. Dharamlall to intervene

RESIDENTS of Glasgow New Housing Scheme, in Greater New Amsterdam, East Bank Berbice, have complained bitterly about the state of their community, including the deplorable condition of the roads and issues with drainage and irrigation.

The residents complained of being neglected, even though they have paid millions of dollars over the years in rates and taxes. George Cadogan, a resident, during a meeting with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall on Sunday, said: “As it relates to the developmental aspect of the scheme, we are neglected. When you traverse in this scheme, you can see the deplorable roads. This ground was neglected; filled with bushes. The youths and the residents need to use it.

“As for drainage in this area, while we are under the Municipality, we are clearly neglected. The Council does nothing; just collect rates and taxes. We are asking that systems are put in place, so that Glasgow Housing Scheme can develop in a proper way. We want to see progress in this community; we don’t want to be left behind.”
In response, Minister Dharamlall committed to providing the resources to immediately fix the drainage and irrigation woes in the community. Additionally, the need for a recreational facility was highlighted, and Minister Dharamlall instructed the regional officials present to make preparations so work can begin to clear the field, and fill and level the ground. Plans are also being made to prepare the pitch of the community play-field.

Minister Dharamlall noted that the ground is important for the youths and residents alike, as they engage in sports and exercise.
Meanwhile, the Minister has asked the residents to form community development committees so that they can be able to make representation and benefit from the numerous programmes the government has in store.

$645M-PLUS IN RATES AND TAXES

The Minister said he found it appalling that the Municipality of New Amsterdam would have collected over $645M in rates and taxes between 2015 and 2019, and residents have not seen any benefits or developments in the community.

“I think there are things that are going wrong in New Amsterdam that we need to get fixed, and get it fixed urgently,” Minister Dharamlall said.
He told New Amsterdamers that he has since written the Auditor General, requesting an audit of all the towns.

“It is apparent in Glasgow Housing and Overwinning, this constituency area, the residents are not getting the support from the Town Council in many areas they require support,” he said.
Moreover, the minister also promised to raise the issue of the increase in rates and taxes and valuation.

“We believe if rates and taxes are increased in these areas, it becomes a burdensome thing for people; people don’t have a lot of money, so that is why we feel rates and taxes should not be increased,” the Minister told residents.

The Local Government Minister conducted a two-day outreach in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). On Saturday, he met residents from Crabwood Creek, #76 Village, Reliance and Canje, while on Sunday he met with residents on the East Bank of Berbice and Fort Ordinance.