Local Government Elections critical to community development
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DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, September 5, 2018
President David Granger has said local democratic organs are critical to community and national development.
President David Granger addressing the conference of the Local Democratic Organs in July
In July of this year, while speaking at the National Conference of Local Democratic Organs, the Head of State reminded that NDCs and Municipalities are responsible for providing critical services to residents. Among the amenities are garbage disposal and sanitation, infrastructure development and maintenance and drainage and irrigation.
“These are challenging duties and huge responsibilities, that require collaboration, cooperation and coordination between the various local government organs and Central Government. They require a commitment by all and at all levels of government and society… Local government organs must provide quality public services to residents; these public services are vital to improving the living and working conditions within neighbourhoods and villages. Local democracy allows citizens a greater say in the local democratic organs it creates the catalyst for transforming the neighbourhoods, the villages and communities into centres of human interaction,” the Head of State said during his address.
The president had also stated the importance of communities having Village Improvement Plans (VIPs).
“These plans are important to all villages. Every village should have a VIP These should be blueprints for improving the delivery of services in communities countrywide. Every VIP must address as a priority the four major services.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan said Local Government in Guyana has been catapulted to its rightful position, as the strategic partner in national development. He noted that after an absence of several decades under the previous administration, local government elections are receiving the attention it deserves.
Local Government Elections will be held on November 12 this year and given the important roles of the local democratic organs in the ensuring residents enjoy the good life, citizens are encouraged to ensure their participation.
Kidackie Amsterdam
Images: Department of Public Information