THE Little Diamond/Herstelling Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), on East Bank of Demerara, received a tractor yesterday, to better improve services offered to residents in the community

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker handed it over at a simple ceremony in the NDC compound and urged its officials to take good care of the vehicle, noting that it was purchased at a significant cost.
It was bought to ensure that the local authority is equipped to handle the garbage situation in their areas.
According to the Chairman of the Works Committee, Mr Wilfred Bassant, the machine was acquired for $5.2M.
He pointed out that the money used to buy it was from last year’s Government allocation and the NDC funds.
Bassant said the NDC is grateful for the provision and will do whatever it takes, with what it gets from Government, to improve the lives of citizens.
He indicated that the machine will be used for slashing, collecting and disposing of garbage along with other NDC work.
Bassant revealed that the tractor they got 20 years ago is still working but this brand new machine will ease the work load of the older one.
The Chairman also pointed out that, with their area expanding, the purchase was at the right time as, with the expansion, the tractors will now have more work and more ground to cover.
Bassant said the old and new tractors will be used to serve residents in the new and existing housing schemes, noting that, it is only a matter of time that the new housing scheme, being one of the largest with approximately 10,000 house lots, will be in the district under the care of his NDC.(Savitri Laikram)