VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent engagement with Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) on the East Coast Demerara comes at a pivotal moment for local governance in Guyana.

His message was clear and unequivocal: every NDC, whether governed by the administration or the opposition, will receive the support necessary to improve the lives of residents.

It is a stance that reaffirms a long-held principle of democratic governance: development must not be held hostage by political affiliation.

Earlier this year, the government significantly increased subventions to $30 million per NDC, while distributing new machinery and equipment across the country.

These investments were intended to enhance the capacity of local organs to deliver better services, from drainage to garbage collection to community infrastructure.

Yet Dr. Jagdeo’s remarks highlighted an uncomfortable truth: resources alone do not guarantee results.

Some NDCs, despite being better equipped than ever before, continue to underperform.

The Vice-President’s call for local bodies to “focus on the concerns of citizens” rather than engage in projects that fail to solve immediate, real-world problems should resonate across Guyana.

Too many communities are still plagued by chronic drainage failures, inadequate garbage disposal, poor road maintenance, and questionable spending practices.

When local authorities have the tools but lack the will, or the administrative discipline, to use them effectively, residents pay the price.

The issue of heavy-duty vehicles parked along community parapets is a prime example.

For years, residents have complained about damaged parapets, obstructed walkways, and added safety hazards.

The government’s push for NDCs to identify lands for quasi-commercial parking zones is a practical solution, but it will require diligent follow-through from council administrators who must now show that they can enforce by-laws, plan strategically, and prioritise long-term order over short-term convenience.

Beyond this, the promise of installing 90,000 new streetlights nationwide signals the administration’s broader effort to improve safety, security, and quality of life.

Lighting is not merely cosmetic, it reduces crime, strengthens commerce, and provides a sense of dignity in overlooked neighbourhoods.

But again, the effectiveness of such a massive national rollout will depend on coordination, maintenance, and oversight at the local level.

Minister Priya Manickchand’s emphasis on accountability, improved financial management, and responsive service delivery touches the core of Guyana’s long-standing challenge with local governance.

Weak record-keeping, poor revenue collection, and opaque spending practices have eroded public trust in local democratic organs for decades, regardless of which political group holds control.

These shortcomings are not mere administrative oversights; they undermine national development at its foundation.

Guyana’s rapid economic transformation makes strong local governance more urgent than ever. With new infrastructure, expanding commercial activity, and intensifying land use pressures, the role of NDCs is no longer limited to routine services.

They are now critical actors in managing growth, environmental sustainability, disaster preparedness, and community welfare.

In this context, the government’s decision to meet directly with NDCs across the country and map out priorities for 2026 and beyond is both timely and necessary.

But consultations, resources, and national policies can only go so far. Local leaders must embrace a culture of accountability and competence.

They must work closely with residents, provide transparent reporting, enforce regulations fairly, and demonstrate the kind of administrative maturity required in a rapidly developing nation.

Guyana cannot afford local bodies that treat their mandates as ceremonial or partisan.

Strong, people-centred local governance, rooted in listening, planning, and responsible spending, is essential if national development is to be felt in every community.

As the country prepares for another year of accelerated growth, the government has made its commitment clear. It is now up to NDCs to match that commitment with results.