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Controversial building at Leonora Market…“NDC has more important matters to deal with” – says Co-op Secretary
In relation to the controversial construction of a massive building within the confines of the Leonora Market, Azeezur Rahaman, the Secretary of the Leonora Co-op Society – the body that spearheaded the construction
The building located within the confines of the Leonora Market.
– has stated that he was unaware that a building plan was to be submitted to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) before construction began.
The two-storey building is 120 feet long by approximately 46 feet wide.
The matter was being investigated by the Prime Minister’s Representative in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Harry Narine Deokinanan, after it was brought to his attention that the plot of land was obtained via questionable means, while the building itself had not received the blessing of the Stewartville/Cornelia Ida NDC. The whole issue, Deokinanan had stated, reeked of corruption.
Deokinanan had provided a document which emanated from the NDC that confirmed his claims that no approval was given. When contacted to verify the authenticity of the document, the Chairman of the NDC, Jainarine Narine, stated that indeed, no construction plan was submitted to the NDC nor was any permission given to the Co-op to begin construction.
Narine, who recently took up the post of Chairman after the 2016 Local Government Elections, was quizzed on whether the building was being erected illegally or not. He stated that before any green light is given for the erection of any structure, a plan along with an accompanying request has to be submitted. However, this was not the case and because of this, the building was considered illegally constructed.
Rahaman subsequently admitted that no plan was submitted to the NDC.
Asked why, he stated that he was unaware of such a requirement. He added that there has been a ‘culture’ at the market where persons desirous of erecting any building would do so without consulting the NDC, and the building now under scrutiny, was constructed based on this culture.
Rahaman asserted that “the NDC has more important things to deal with”.
Asked to expound on what he meant by that, Rahaman levelled accusations against persons within the area who are in breach of NDC policies and are passing under the radar of the Council. When asked about the purpose of the building, Rahaman said that the upper flat will serve as a library to the community and the lower flat will house other facilities.
He was also questioned as to what the next move would be if the authorities decide to demolish the structure. He responded by saying, “Well, we will go to court”.
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