Plaisance residents are concerned about the filling in of what they say is a major drainage trench in their community while the NDC has said that permission was granted from “a higher authority” for it to be filled-in.
The Plaisance trench partly filled with sand.
When Stabroek News visited the area on Thursday several residents were vocal about the “slackness the NDC encouraging with this type of behaviour,” one man said. The trench which is located on the northern side of the railway embankment between Prince William and Graham streets has been partly filled with truckloads of sand by a man from Vryheid’s Lust – two villages from Plaisance. The section of the trench obliquely opposite the Plaisance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) has been filled-in.
Residents say that the man plans to build a wash bay in the area. They told this newspaper that water from all the trenches along Prince William Street, Victoria Road and from the northern side of the Plaisance railway embankment flows into that trench before it drains into the “big trench” alongside Graham Street.
If the trench is filled-in it will cause a “back-up” and flooding during the rainy season. One man said he heard the man intends to dig a small drain alongside his establishment to lead the water out; however, this drain would not be able to accommodate water flowing from all the cross-streets.
In an invited comment, Chairman of the Plaisance NDC Clinton Rollox said the man allegedly responsible for filling-in the trench never approached the NDC for permission though he has learnt that the man was given permission by higher authorities. Rollox said too he is not aware of what the man’s plans might be for the area. Further, he suggested that this newspaper contacts the housing or public works ministries for answers pertaining to the trench as he could give no other comment. However, repeated calls to both ministries along with the Ministry of Local Government proved futile.
That trench needs to be filled up,there is other trenches right around there,it’s good someone is going to use it.
If Mr. Rollox do not know what is going on he is lacking in his capacity as Chairman. There are a few things that should have happened here before permission is given to an outsider (or anyone for that matter) to carry out this project;
(1) The investor/s meeting with villagers to explain the project and get their opinions,
(2) An environmental assessment of this project.
Further, since this is village land and falls under the umbrella of ancestral lands, the village must ensure it benefics financially from this project before it proceeds.
Mr. Rollox seem to be a poor guardian of the ancestural rights of this village and show a lack of understanding of his right and commitment in the development of this village.
“trenches along Prince William Street”, …Why is the street named Prince William Street…who is Prince William…what has contributed? Some of these streets should be renamed to reflect on the contribution of our Guyanese people.
Prince William is part of our history. Don’t be caught up with those who would wish to erase history. Blocking out the past won’t help you to run away from it. Further, Prince William St. is a prominent street in Plaisance and anyone who do not know about the street knows little about Guyana and the East Coast.
The other main street in Plaisance is Victoria Road. Note the similarity. Both streets’ names were changed by the PNC to names I cannot now remember but the villagers never use the names so they just fade away.
You really think renaming a street is going to make any difference in the lawlessness that’s going on in Guyana. The bigger issue is why are some people above the law and can do anything with impunity. Lots of double standards taking place and you are concerned about street names.
Get real.
Greg, what history…this has to do with British ruling…do i care to know what they have done?
AND Lavie est bonne, you get real yourself…apart from the double standards that are going on everyday and whatever else…i wanted to note that Guyana is independent to make their own changes…go figure!
Ginger56, the British influence is a vital part of your up bringing even if you are not willing to accept. Leave Guyana and walk into America and it is glaring and very noticable to Americans. I always believe in recording our history, whether negative or positive. It is an indication of where we are from and influences where we are going. New roads should reflect the achievements of our independence. Prince William and Queen Victoria are not the most notorious in our history.