IN a move to address community concerns in Bush Lot and neighbouring areas in West Coast Berbice, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has touted the formation of oversight committees, that will work in tandem with Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to address a range of local issues.

The Head of State was at the time responding to the residents’ grievances, on Tuesday, where he highlighted the importance of local involvement in decision-making, marking a significant step towards community-driven governance.

The President’s visit was a response to various challenges faced by the community, including insufficient land for livestock, wandering animals causing damage to crop, poor road conditions, and inadequate street lighting.

Acknowledging these issues, President Ali proposed a structured and participatory approach to problem-solving.

“So, we will set up a committee. Every village within the NDC will select a representative to sit down on a committee.

“Let us say on all the social services that we’re looking at. I want an Oversight Committee, and, on the oversight, the committee will have representatives from every single community within NDC,” President Ali stated, highlighting the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process.

This proposal was met with loud cheers from the residents, indicating their approval and readiness to participate.

The President pointed out that the oversight committees would play a crucial role in the regional structure, ensuring that the voices and concerns of each community are heard and addressed.
Addressing the specific issue of land for livestock, a significant concern for local farmers, President Ali announced, “Right now, we are developing 5000 acres of land that we’re going to put all the livestock on, all the cows and all of these things. So, in two months, 1000 acres will be available, and all these farmers will utilise that 1000 acres.”

This move, he explained, is expected to alleviate the problem of insufficient land for livestock and reduce the incidents of animals wandering into residential areas.

He further urged regional officials and community members to actively engage in forming the Oversight Committee, particularly for managing the new land allocated for livestock.
“I want y’all to sit down with all the livestock people to form an oversight committee that will look at this 1000 acres so that we address this 1000 acres and the livestock farmers. That will take care of the livestock issue,” President Ali added.

The oversight committees, as envisioned by the President, will not only address the issue of land for livestock but will also focus on improving social services in the community.

In return, these committees are expected to bring a more organised and systematic approach to addressing the various challenges faced by the residents, including the improvement of roads and the installation of street lights.

This approach aligns with the People’s Progressive Party Civic-led government move towards more community-driven governance, where solutions are not just top-down but involve active participation and representation from the communities themselves.

Residents applauded to this initiative, which is seen as a step forward in empowering their communities to have a direct say in the development and enhancement of their living conditions.