Latest update April 4th, 2025 12:14 AM
Prime Minister hears concerns of Black Bush, West Canje residents
….wants defaulting contractor blacklisted
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds visited Berbice on Friday and interacted with residents and rice farmers at Black Bush Polder on the Corentyne. Further stops were made at Bush Lot, Corentyne and Lochaber, West Canje.
This resident makes a point to the Prime Minister and his team last Friday.
Hinds was accompanied by Region Six Chairman, David Armogan; Vice- Chairman, Bhupaul Jhagroo and Member of Parliament, Faizal M. Jaffarally.
Residents of Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, were happy that they were able to receive their Laptops through the One laptop Per Family Initiative the same day the Prime Minister visited. One resident stated that the laptops would enhance their children’s ability to be involved in information technological process.
The Prime Minister also visited a number of homes and interacted with residents who applauded the government for electricity to their homes for the very first time in Lesbeholden. They are now calling for street lights to be placed along the main thoroughfare.
Hinds noted that the government has an ongoing street lighting programme. It is currently concentrating on installing road lights along the Corentyne Highway. He promised that secondary roads like those in Black Bush Polder and elsewhere will be brought on board. He urged them to be patient.
If residents though, are desirous of having street lights placed in front of their homes, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council or residents will have to pay the bills, Hinds stated.
Hinds expressed his shock and amazement that an Enmore- based contractor has not completed road works awarded to him since 2012. This matter was described as one which was of grave concern to residents.
The Prime Minister was shocked and alarmed that the named contractor has not fulfilled his obligations since. He plans to speak to senior officials at the Ministry of Public Works who awarded the contract.
He is considering having the contractor blacklisted. The government, he added, has a no-nonsense approach towards taxpayers’ monies. It’s a gross dishonesty, he stated.
The Prime Minister and team also met with a few rice farmers and informed them that Government recently acquired additional markets for rice in Panama and Africa. However, the price is not as attractive as the Venezuelan deal.
It is a good sign that they are making inroads to have markets for farmers, one resident said.
They also expressed concerns about the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) billing system and the attitude of the Billing Manager (name given), who threatened to disconnect them if they queried their bills for very large amounts.
Prime Minister Hinds expressed his dissatisfaction at the report and ordered an immediate investigation into the allegations.
The Prime Minister also visited Lochaber, West Canje Berbice. He interacted with residents there as well as Bush Lot, Corentyne. Their main concerns were access roads to farmlands and street lights.
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