– road repairs, bridges, utility concerns addressed on the spot
By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
RESIDENTS of Mara Village, East Bank Berbice, on Friday, secured immediate commitments to address a range of longstanding community concerns after meeting directly with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a public outreach.
The residents raised issues affecting their daily lives, including deteriorating roads, damaged bridges and other community development concerns. During the engagement, the Vice President instructed the relevant authorities to take immediate action, ensuring that several matters were addressed on the spot.
The outreach formed part of the Government’s ongoing effort to engage citizens directly and provide swift solutions to challenges facing communities across the country.
Resident and farmer Seeorchan Durjodan welcomed the intervention, noting that residents were pleased with the prompt response to their concerns.
“We get help instantly, that’s why it’s so great to meet him,” Durjodan said.
He explained that one of the main issues raised was the condition of the village’s public road.
“The public road that is the major one, every day we drive it, so we’re grateful that he look at it and he promise to visit. Also, the bridges are in a bad state, so we are glad that we get immediate intervention,” he added.
Durjodan also welcomed discussions on expanding agricultural opportunities within the community. During the engagement, the Vice President suggested specialised training in grafting techniques for citrus fruits, which residents said could help diversify farming activities and improve productivity.
“So many things happening and we can get involved and do other things,” Durjodan said.
He further expressed gratitude for the Government’s support to the agricultural sector, highlighting investments in infrastructure and drainage and irrigation systems.
“We must thank the government for their massive support, especially the agriculture sector, lots of massive infrastructure, drainage and irrigation support and due to that we can able to expand more,” he said.
Meanwhile, a resident of Freeyard, Port Mourant, Asodra Ramana, said she was pleasantly surprised by how quickly her concerns were addressed.
“I come for light and water, me had lil paper problem and them take down the information and they do it,” Ramana said.
She added, “Me glad me come here today because me know it wouldda fix.”
The outreach also saw several residents raising concerns about derelict vehicles and abandoned machinery along public roadways, which they said were creating hazards and affecting the appearance of communities.
In response, the Vice President instructed the regional administration to issue a one-week notice to owners before removing the abandoned vehicles and equipment.
Residents said the engagement demonstrated the value of direct consultations with government officials and welcomed the immediate attention given to their concerns.
