Affiance NDC urged to “pull up their socks” – Min. Persaud

Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud, MP, has called on the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) that oversees Affiance, Pomeroon- Supenaam (Region Two) to uphold its obligations.

The call follows concerns raised by residents at a recent meeting held in the village, as part of a Cabinet outreach to the region.

Residents complained that a number of individuals in the village have inadvertently restricted the flow of water through the community drains, after building bridges to their properties that do not have the required width of tubing beneath.

Others said the width of trenches in some areas were reduced by residents who constructed fences beyond the required distance to the roadway.

In response, Minister Persaud said, “we are taking a no nonsense stand with regards to government’s reserve. No government reserve, no parapet, no canal- the NDC has no right to rent, lease or sell any government reserve, and they need to be proactive as of today and those persons who have illegally taken in canals or trenches, they must be written to, to cease, desist and remove from those government reserves.

“We have started a process of transformation of this country and I am asking the NDC to follow suit and ensure any works, drainage, roads, electricity, school- they must play an integral role in those developmental projects,” the minister stated.

Minister Persaud said after seven days of notice, the NDC must take further action within the confines of the law.

“You need to be proactive in the community in every aspect… the NDC needs to play an important role in this village.”

The meeting was also chaired by Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for public affairs, Kwame McCoy who addressed residents’ concerns on a wide range of issues, including security and co-curricular activities for at-risk youth.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali led the two-day outreach in the region on Friday last, with the aim of gathering feedback from residents on matters affecting their communities. Short and long-term solutions were provided at numerous meetings held on the Essequibo Coast and riverine communities.