Region 2 RDC dissatisfied with delay of upgrading of dams

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is deeply dissatisfied with the deplorable conditions of several dams leading to rice cultivation areas. The condition of the dams has added additional challenges to rice farmers as they are currently struggling to transport their harvest from the fields to the mills.
Rice farmers have reported that they were faced with additional burdens of having to use deteriorated dams during the last rainy season. Many farmers have also incurred additional expenses having to do massive maintenance works on the dams. This, they complained, is creating unnecessary expenditures even at a time when the price for paddy is low.
Region Two Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt during an interview with Guyana Times said at several RDC statutory meetings recommendations were repeatedly made for a maintenance schedules to be prepared so that upgrading works on roads and dams can be done on a timely and organised manner.
Noteably, Ramdatt said these decisions have not been implemented, and as such, farmers are feeling the negative impacts.
Ramdatt said the RDC noted with concern that 15 of its machineries and equipment to aid in the maintenance of dams and roads are currently inoperable due to the lack of simple items, such as oil filters and seals, among others. Workers from the RDC requested in July of this year that these spares be purchased so that the machineries could be put back in operation for the harvesting season.
The RDC is therefore calling for an investigation to be launched by the relevant authorities to address the region’s consistent procurement delays and malpractices, since the REO as the region’s Accounting Officer is not proactive in managing the region’s budget. Based on a review of the RDC 2017 budget, he noted that adequate funds are available, adding that he is disappointed that the negligence of certain regional officers is creating challenges for the people of Region Two. (Indrawattie Natram)