Dear Editor,
There are a number of issues affecting the residents of Hosororo-Kumaka-Mabaruma, and other satellite villages in this sub-region of the North West District. It would be contradictory and ironic to refer to this Region by its post-Republic name of Barima-Waini, Region 1.
While some residents have voted for a change it seems the more things change the more they remain the same. There is a culture and impertinence among party officials of the governing party towards the grassroots and the other residents of these communities. The local party organization is weak, poor, ineffective, incompetent, uncreative and lacking in every department of leadership. It is amazing how this party managed to secure any votes at all in these parts. Would-be members are repulsed by the lack of leadership in the party.
For example, the roads are in a deplorable condition, unfit for human beings to traverse, yet nothing is being communicated to the members on how and when the only road that links all the communities will be repaired. Efforts were made to patch this same road but the quality of materials used, and technical work is very much lacking. Owing to the sedimentary rocks, commonly called mud rocks, and the lack of expert supervision this road has deteriorated. Thus whatever few funds are available are being misused.
Secondly, the above named communities are in darkness due to the non-functioning generator set. Again, total contempt is been displayed. In order to cope, those who are able to do so purchase small generators which are costly to use daily, and it is almost thirty days since the government-run generator set ceased working.
I can recall during the mad season of electioneering the ruling party made a pledge, and the people are beginning to wonder where and when these promises will be fulfilled. A few have ventured to suggest that life was better off under the last government; at least things were done for the people.
During the later stage of the previous administration a building at Hosororo was refurbished, wired, and equipment purchased for a computer centre which I understood was meant to provide educational opportunities for the school and villagers. I am wondering how soon the project will be actualized in order to facilitate the intellectual development of needy children.
During the dry season the flow of water provided to the community is not sufficient for the people, but paradoxically we are now in the rainy season and water is still being pumped daily that goes to waste. The tanks are filled with rainfall. I am told that the line man who ensures that water is flowing through the pipes is paid according to the hours the pump is operational. This is a very wasteful method of ensuring a person is given his wages.
Is it possible to transfer government property to private individuals? This seems to be happening at Mabaruma. A building which was assigned to the police at Mabaruma was dismantled and the same plot of land was given to the daughter of a former official to build her private home.
A gentle reminder to the government: The Indigenous people and those of mixed race will get the last laugh. Time is on our side.
Barabina is a small community which suffers because of negligence. It floods during the rainy and the dry season. It is simply that a bridge was constructed during the previous administration which is blocking the flow of the water from the village to the river. Assurance was given that the village would see an end to their misery, but again, the more things change the more they remain the same.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
