According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Lall and Dr Luncheon were accompanied to the Corentyne, Region Six communities by representatives from the Agriculture, Human Services and Social Security and Education ministries, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). Dr Luncheon explained that in the process of finalizing the National Budget for 2010, Cabinet members are consulting with citizens for feedback on goods and services provided by government.
According to Lall government spent billions last year on drainage, irrigation and other areas and this year plans include expanding the schools feeding and uniform programme. “The sum of $800M will be allocated to expand the programme to schools on the coast. Mostly children in hinterland areas benefit from the programme,” he said, adding that “the more we can move people out of poverty, the more we can make them a natural resource, thus enabling them to contribute to the country’s national development.”
Residents voiced concerns about an insufficient supply of potable water and inflated water bills, deplorable streets and roads, the need for street lights and proper recreational facilities, and the chronic issue of garbage disposal. Lall disclosed that the Albion Road will be rehabilitated this year and he committed to providing materials to fence a playfield in Chesney as well as one in Guava Bush. In response, residents agreed to cover the cost of labour for these two projects.
As regard the disposal of domestic waste, Lall said an official dumpsite will be identified that will be complemented with the implementation of a garbage collection schedule that will be manned by the NDC. He said too the NDC has already consulted the Environmental Protection Agency for the location of a site but is still awaiting a reply. On the issue of street lights, he said NDCs countrywide currently owe millions of dollars to the Guyana Power and Light and as a result, a new system will be implemented, whereby NDCs will only be instructed to pay for lights that they have sanctioned. A GWI representative told Chesney residents that their current water supply is considered ‘raw water’ which is high in iron concentration. He proposed that the pipe lines be flushed twice weekly to get rid of accumulated iron content.
Meanwhile, Dr Luncheon also informed residents about GWI’s 2008-2010 Turnaround Plan which focuses on improving a delivery system as it relates to adequate water pressure as well as quality, which will be addressed through water treatment. Lall said only about 50% of the communities are paying rates and taxes which amount to $90M and that a new assessment process will be carried out to have a more standardized rate attached to property taxes. In response Luncheon said more rates and taxes need to be collected from residents in order to initiate further development in the communities.
GINA said concerns related to the condition of the Berbice Dharm Shala were put to rest after Lall announced that the Human Services Ministry has already taken steps to enhance the institution. A new manager was transferred to serve the residents of the establishment since January 1.
