IT is evident that there is a big push for infrastructural development across the country. With this, however, taking ownership of those works becomes all the more crucial for us ordinary citizens hoping to benefit from long-lasting development. I was heartened by the demand for such ownership from residents of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, recently.

In ‘South’, the residents did not hesitate to passionately raise their concerns and demand better from their local and national elected officials at s recent government outreach activity. Then, a point of major contention, understandably so, was the constant flooding they are forced to endure in the area whenever there is heavy rainfall.

As done before, drains and other internal waterways are cleaned and de-silted. This is a routine way of improving drainage and therefore, mitigating flooding. Beyond that, a plan to convert all of the earthen drains in the city into modern, concrete drains is being considered.

If you understand the topography of South Georgetown, or if you just know that ‘South is flood steady’ (as the residents lamented), you can appreciate why these works are important. But it is equally- if not more- important for these works to be done well. People’s quality of life and livelihoods depend on it.

It was local artiste Saiku Andrews, a resident of this part of Georgetown, who called on fellow residents to take ownership of the developmental work being done. Of course, the authorities are responsible for undertaking the much-needed works but Andrews reminded residents that they have that responsibility of keeping those drains free of garbage as long as possible.

I agree with him. That should always be a central focus. But for me, accepting responsibility and taking ownership is much broader. And other residents had other ideas for taking ownership. They asked that the drainage and maintenance contracts be awarded to them, arguing that since they are most affected, they are more likely to ensure that the job is done right the first time.

Why is this important?

Well, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund highlights that the best strategy to guarantee that any developmental project succeeds and expands in the long term is to facilitate local ownership. Essentially, when people have that personal stake in projects that are ongoing, those projects are more likely to be done better and maintained more likely.

For the residents of South Georgetown, who have felt the brunt of flooding in the city for example, getting them involved in the projects appears to be a sure way of ensuring that the work will be done well.

But it gets a little more complicated than simply saying residents should do all the work- literally and figuratively. Residents must be able to even bid for contracts to do these works; that means more ordinary citizens must have adequate access to capital and should be empowered to engage in these works. Then, those residents must be given some sort of preferential treatment, lest their very meaningful intentions be overshadowed by bigger companies with a much larger prowess.

For too long, at too many outreach activities, I’ve heard residents in many communities complain about the shoddy work done by contractors. With the increased impetus for infrastructural works across the country, I believe that the onus is on the government to find ways of guaranteeing that there is value for money- that is, that the work is done well and made to last for years to come. I believe that finding ways to include more ordinary citizens in this move will be key.

If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com