All is not well at the Kintyre/Borlam NDC

Mar 04, 2009 News

SEAWELL, CORENTYNE – All is not well with residents of the Kintyre/Borlam Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and their councillors. There appears to be a communication problem as was highlighted on Monday.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony; Public Service Minister Dr Jennifer Westford; and Chief Executive Officer of the New Amsterdam Hospital and Region Six Parliamentarian, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo; along with other government officials met residents and councillors during a Cabinet Outreach on Monday.
The first meeting was held at Seawell and the other at Kendalls Village, Number Nineteen, East Coast Berbice.
At both meetings, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the way matters are generally handled by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council. They complained about lack of some basic infrastructure – electricity, proper roads and the like in some sections; they said that ‘dust was being thrown in their eyes’ when they attempt to seek an explanation or redress from the council.
Dr. Frank Anthony had cause to caution a male resident who showed disregard by damaging government property when it fails to produce the desired result. Many sections of these communities are subjected to frequent floods. The male resident claimed that he is affected as a result of the poor choice of those in authority when they placed a small tubing that could not handle the volume of water.
At Seawell, there is need for a canal to be cleared, since, according to one gentleman, it is blocking access to farmlands. He claimed that many of the farmers had abandoned the land but are now interested in returning.
The sea dam eroded and a large amount of land was affected – some of these plots are owned by government and others privately.
Many residents, in their own way and style, said that some of them had lived within these communities for decades. To them it is as if little is being done to move them forward.
In some sections where people receive a supply of potable water, the pressure is another bone of contention as is the colour.
In Seawell some of the residents claimed that they did some self-help work to improve their situation with their water supply but to no avail.
A cemetery in the area is also of concern. While the Overseer insisted that it is privately owned, another councillor explained that the land was handed over to the Burial Society years ago. Whoever owns it – there is need to improve the aesthetics.
Overseer Aruna Prasad stated that their average collection of rates and taxes is $1.2 million. Like any other Neighbourhood Democratic Council they receive a $3 million annual subvention. Though the council has big plans it is often cash strapped.
Both the Chairman Gaindalall Hitnarine and the Overseer Aruna Prasad indicated that SIMAP had executed some projects in the areas that fall within the ambit of the NDC but the residents show total disregard and reportedly do not care the facilities.
Another issue faced by the council is the fact that many plots of lands are privately owned and some of those claiming ownership do not have the necessary documents. Privately own lands in some cases stand in the way of the development of some infrastructure.
One example is that work is to be done for a canal and sluice. After a survey was done it was discovered that the project would have to pass through land that is privately owned.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Frank Anthony, spoke of a number of issues. He called on the residents and councillors to put their difference aside and bond since this is the only way they can expect to move forward. He said that the council needs to explore means of boosting its rate and tax collection base.
He also urged the residents to form a delegation to meet with the Regional Democratic Council to sort out of the issue of private and state lands.
Public Service Minister Dr Jennifer Westford said that government spent millions of dollars on a range of services and as such, from time to time, there are visits to these areas to ensure that the money was used on its intended purpose and that the people are benefiting.
Chief Executive Officer of the New Amsterdam Hospital and Region Six Parliamentarian Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo said that each hospital in the region has a desk set up to facilitate the person seeking medical attention.
Meanwhile, a computerized system is soon to be established and this would stamp out the need for patients to wait on prescriptions, he said.

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All is not well at the Kintyre/Borlam NDC

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