NTFC calls for stakeholders input in restoring city

The National Task Force Commission (NTFC) is still seeking the help of the relevant stakeholders to assist the Commission as it continues to fulfil its mandate in seeing the restoration of the Capital City.

Major General (Retired) Joe Singh

The Task Force was established in August 2015, following a request by Cabinet for the restoration of the City of Georgetown. The Commission has been able to achieve much over the last two years, but still faces some challenges.
Chairman of the Commission, retired Major General Joe Singh said the Commission continues to be crowded with challenges. He said all the agencies must work together to realise the objective of the Commission.
“We are dealing with attitudes, we’re dealing with getting people to break out of this mind-set that this is my turf and I need to guard it zealously and recognising the need for integrated planning for proper consultations with persons,” Singh said at a press conference on Friday.
He said the Commission has taken on a roll and has facilitated a process of dialogue and consultation and of bringing people together to share information to look at joint implementation and maintenance.
Back in August 2015, Cabinet had mandated that the National Task Force for Project Restore Guyana be established. In November of that same year, there was a visit by Dutch-Disaster Rapid Response (DRR) Assessment Team where a report was tabled to the NTFC.
In July 2016, a Mission was carried out by students of Delft University who collaborated on a Drainage model for Georgetown. That report was tabled and auctioned by NTFC.
Over the last two years, the NTFC said it has been able to oversee the proposal and completion of several projects including proposed road repairs under Ministry of Public Infrastructure “Miscellaneous Roads” program – Western access road, Mon Repos North; Fourth Street, Mon Repos North; Access Road (Middle Walk Victoria, East Side Line road Victoria, Kinston Street Victoria) for LED street lights in Recess, Mahaicony; and Vlissengen Road; Carifesta Avenue to Lamaha Street Sidewalk construction proposal – Albert Street to Thomas Lands and Pouderoyen, West Coast Demerara (2018).  There is also a proposal for the revetment and repair of Hunter Street between Mandela Avenue and Front Road also in the new year. The Task Force listed as critical requirements for the successful implementation of project restore Guyana to include political consensus and good governance, public awareness, ethical, attitudinal, socially and environmentally responsible behaviour, integrated planning and implementation, adherence to maintenance schedules, routine monitoring, rigid enforcement and accountability.