KOMAL Ramdeen, a local contractor of East Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, has been doing a lot behind the scenes to enhance the community, through several initiatives which were welcomed by villagers.
Ramdeen better known as ‘Sonno’ has been the Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) for the past year and he was well-positioned to host several fundraising events for the community.
He told the Guyana Chronicle that the money raised in the village was utilised to buy and install streetlights and host clean-up campaigns.
Ramdeen added that four streetlights were bought and installed in East Meten-Meer-Zorg Village, and they are also maintaining five others in the same village.
He explained that the streetlight was priced at $30,000 each so the money was well spent and they were held accountable for the purchase.
Ramdeen disclosed that he is responsible for the upkeep of East Meten-Meer-Zorg from Tarla Dam to Red Spot Street, being the last street in the village, which falls outside of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) responsibility.
He related that the dam in the village needs upgrading since it is used by the NDC and farmers.
Ramdeen stated that some of the impending community-based projects include the cleaning of all drains in the village and a general clean-up.
He reported that the community’s CDC has six executive members and 15 active members.
According to him, a portion of the local government subvention was used to enhance the village but they are far from completing some projects due to a lack of funds.
Ramdeen said they also completed a walkway bridge linking two sections of the community which makes it easier for children to access to school.
The community has a mixed population of about 2,000 people.
The chairman said they have some Spanish-speaking immigrants living in the community, some 10-day workers and some sugar workers who are employed at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate.
Ramdeen is hopeful that the relevant authorities can visit to look into some form of assistance for a few single parents and bed-ridden/disabled elders in the village.
He noted that they try to render help from time to time, but their needs require permanent contributions, especially to offset their personal expenses.
The father of two said locals have taken on the responsibility of cleaning their own parapets and drains to lighten the NDC’s workload. The council currently oversees seven villages from Tuschen to Uitvlugt.
