Areas on Essequibo Coast in dire need of street lights − conditions at Hampton Court Airstrip a major concern

Several Councillors attached to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are calling for the installation of street lights at strategic areas on the Essequibo Coast especially at the Hampton Court Airstrip.  The Councillors made this call during the last RDC statutory meeting for the month of September.

Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah explained that the area is currently dark and porters are finding it difficult to transport patients from the ambulance to the aircraft during cases of emergency evacuation.

Alluding to the gravity of the situation, she revealed that at on one occasion, the fire tender’s lights had to be used to assist while evacuating an accident patient.

The Vice Chairman is therefore calling for the immediate installation of lights at the airstrip.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor, Brian Basil, informed the RDC that many of the street lights along the Essequibo Coast are non functional and urged Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson to send a maintenance crew to the Essequibo Coast.

Basil added that taxi drivers and other road users are finding it difficult at nights to traverse the roadways due to darkness.

Another PPP/C Councillor, Arnold Adams, who resides in the Supenaam area, also described a similar situation which exists around the Good Hope Stelling, which is also in need of street lighting.

Adams said the area can be compared to that of a little “ghost” town during the night, adding that the lives of persons who travel late at night are at risk.

He pointed to the recent robbery where the accused tried to flee the area by boarding the ferry.

He said the installation of the street lights will ensure better security as well as assist the Police in their work. The Councillor urged the RDC members to write the subject Minister in relation to recommendations made.