“We are moving all up” – NA Deputy Mayor
– $26M invested for the resuscitation of municipal dumpsite
– most of 2019 subventions expended on road works
– roads are being constructed for the first time
– municipality working collectively with citizens and stakeholders to get the job done
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, August 13, 2019
The New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council has invested $26M for the resuscitation of the municipal dumpsite. The initiative is among several projects undertaken by the municipality as part of its “major revamp” programme for the township.
In an exclusive interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Deputy-Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright McIntosh highlighted that work initiated at the dumpsite is a collaborative effort by the municipality and the Ministry of Communities, to provide better solid waste services.
McIntosh also underscored the benefit of the over 900 streetlights that were recently installed in the seven constituencies. “We have been receiving positive responses from the residents and this gives us the boost to continue doing work to satisfy them.”
He said several communities have seen major developments while acknowledging the 200 individuals from the Angoy’s Avenue area who recently received titles for their lands after decades. Those documents of ownership were handed over by the Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon and Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Annette Ferguson, on July 31.
As the municipality continues to work with residents to minimise flooding in the town, McIntosh added that “We [municipality] are improving on our drainage and irrigation initiative and to date, we are at Philadelphia Street… before this activity came on stream New Amsterdam was experiencing major floods in different areas. While we understand that in life, there will be limitations and constraints, we are working with the residents and thus far we are grateful for their support,” Deputy Mayor emphasised.
Additionally, he said road construction projects have commenced in the Stanleytown and the Tucber communities. McIntosh disclosed that residents can now travel from Republic Road (Backdam) to Strand (waterside) using the Number 50, Stanletytown road without a hassle. The upgrades also include paved drains and the recapping of the roadways.
Both streets at Lots 39 and 40 Stanleytown also received similar improvements.
“Currently, we are in the Tucber area, specifically Nurseville where roads are now being constructed for the first time. So yes, those residents are very much appreciative of this venture,” McIntosh noted, adding that plans are also being made to revamp the Tucber playfield. The small recreational facility will see the construction of a new pavilion, land filling and the installation of washroom facilities and lights.
In the community of Vryman’s Erven, a 30-year lease was signed between the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Mayor and Town Council of New Amsterdam. This agreement caters for the construction of a football facility, which includes the installation of lights and a parameter fence. The Deputy-Mayor noted that the new plans will help the youths in the township to become more sport-oriented.
Meanwhile, Municipal Treasurer and Acting Town Clerk Kerry-Ann Edwards said from the $18M subvention received from the government, a majority was allocated to “road projects… basically, to upgrades our exiting roads that are experiencing a lot of potholes which were destroyed mostly by heavy-duty vehicles.” She also highlighted that the municipality is establishing a relationship with the residents of New Amsterdam and urged all residents to continue to honour their dues and pay their rates and taxes; noting that the rate collections in 2018 “was outstanding.”
The Deputy Mayor said “We want to thank the government for championing the case for the people of New Amsterdam and the County of Berbice by large and we do appreciate the efforts made by Ministry of Communities for their timely intervention in this region, specifically the town of New Amsterdam.”