M&CC to collaborate on further development of Sophia

― residents will benefit from upgraded facilities

― “This is an opportunity for residents to hold their representatives and the city accountable”

DPI, Guyana, Monday, March 25, 2019

Garbage collection, drainage and irrigation, basic health needs, rates and tax collection are among the benefits residents in Sophia will receive when the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown becomes responsible for the upkeep of that community.

Constituency Five’s Councillor, Akeem Peter is the head of the committee responsible for handing over of the catchment area of Sophia to the M&CC from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

Peter was the youngest Deputy Mayor ever to be elected to serve on the Georgetown City Council.

Councillor of Constituency 5 (Sophia ‘A’ & ‘B’ Field), Akeem Peter in an interview with DPI.

‘C’ Field Main Road.

Cross Street into ‘B’ Field Sophia with street lights.

“We have to look at the bigger picture and this is an opportunity for residents to contribute to their development and to hold their representatives and the city accountable.”

However, there is no formal decision for the backdating of taxes, amid a determination on how well residents can pay rates and taxes; their economic stability; interest rates on rates and taxes; and the value of the property completed by the CH&PA. Peter explained that the lending agencies request updated rates and taxes, which the M&CC will need to provide as the agency that will have control of the area as part of mortgages applications.

There are representatives on the council who understand the needs of the residents and will represent them so they need not worry, Peter said. Sophia had been neglected for a number of years, he noted, and the council is in the process of having that image changed to one of sustainability and development.

This initiative relates directly to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11; upgrading slum settlements, which also involves investment in public transport, creating green public spaces, and improving urban planning and management in a way that is both participatory and inclusive.

Development of South Sophia was not a priority under the previous administration even as areas such as Cummings Lodge and Industry were developed.

Under the current administration, most streets are lit, water and electricity services are being regularised and the main roads constructed, while others are being fixed.

Kipenie Jordan.

Images: Kipenie Jordan.