RESIDENTS of the Herstelling/Little Diamond area will receive their cash grants as scheduled despite a fire that damaged part of the Herstelling/Little Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) building, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand assured during a site visit on Tuesday.
The minister visited the NDC compound to assess the damage caused by the blaze and to reassure residents that the cash grant distribution exercise, originally scheduled to be held at the nearby Providence Nursery School, would proceed without disruption.
According to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the distribution exercise will now be conducted in the undamaged section of the Herstelling/Little Diamond NDC building, ensuring that residents can access their grants as planned.
During her visit, Minister Manickchand met with members of the Guyana Fire Service who responded to the incident, teachers attached to the Providence Nursery School, NDC staff, and a security guard who attempted to extinguish the fire before emergency personnel arrived.
The minister commended the efforts of the firefighters and all those who responded to the emergency, singling out the security guard for his swift and courageous actions.
“The security guard demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment in attempting to contain the fire before the arrival of emergency responders,” the ministry said in a statement.
The fire also caused minor damage to Providence Nursery School, resulting in the temporary closure of the institution while authorities assess the extent of the damage and undertake the necessary repairs.
Officials said the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is working closely with the relevant agencies to evaluate the damage and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of services to residents while recovery and restoration efforts continue.