270 gallons of fuel supplied to defunct D&I pumps in Essequibo
– coalition Councillor raises concerns
A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Councillor Naitram has raised concerns during the last meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for the year 2016 over several defunct Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) pumps.
Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt and Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah
Speaking to his colleagues on December 13 in the boardroom of the RDC at Anna Regina, the Councillor said he was surprised to learn that two pumps were currently down, but fuel was being supplied at the respective stations.
According to Naitram, he is in possession of the supporting documents to substantiate his claim that fuel was supplied to the stations on December 2, 2016.
He was at the time responding to a report by the Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah that the two pumps at Lima and Hampton Court were currently out of order. When questioned by Naitram about how long the pumps have been out of order, Coonjah said approximately two weeks. The coalition Councillor then questioned why fuel was supplied to the stations.
He then explained that as of December 2, 2016, 135 gallons of diesel were issued and to date, 270 gallons were supplied. Naitram called on the RDC to launch an investigation into any alleged malpractices.
Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, after listening to the Councillor, assured that a letter would be written to relevant officers asking for an investigation. Ramdatt also related his surprise over the amount of fuel supplied to the defunct stations.
Additionally, scores of rice farmers living in Lima and Hampton Court areas have raised concerns over poor drainage and irrigation in their areas. Most of them fear their fields would be flooded should the rains continue.
