Better service for 11 villages as Hogstye/Lancaster NDC gets new $18M office

A new building has been constructed for the Hogstye/Lancaster Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), which was officially commissioned on Sunday. The new $18 million facility replaces the old dilapidated building which at one time housed the NDC office until it was declared unsafe for utilisation earlier this year.
For many years, the NDC building, located in Alness Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was in a deplorable state.

Following the intervention of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Government, a modern two-storey building has now been constructed.
During a simple commissioning ceremony on Sunday, Chairperson of the NDC, Sharon Smith, expressed her enthusiasm for the development.
“It’s been a long time. I am grateful as the chairperson, that we have our new NDC building not just for the council but for the entire community. We all know the deplorable state that it was in. Thanks to Minister Parag,” she said.
Meanwhile, Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, pointed out that the modern design the Government’s commitment to strengthening community infrastructure and empowering local democratic organs. She said it also reflects progress, while noting that its true value lies in the quality of service it enables.
“You can have the nicest building, but if you don’t have the service, it makes no sense. This building is to house the people who will give the service to the community, as they have been elected to serve and represent the community. Irrespective of what your political persuasion may be, irrespective of what your religious persuasion may be, irrespective of what your ethnicity is, service should be had to all, because you are all citizens of this country, irrespective of where you come from,” Parag said.
The newly opened facility will serve 11 villages and is expected to improve operational efficiency and accessibility for residents seeking key services.
Region Six Regional Chairman David Armogan noted that the previous building had been one of the worst in the region for many years.
“This NDC building that existed prior to this new one was the worst in the region. Today, I stand proud to know that a brand-new spanking building is being established, for which the people of this area can feel more comfortable and even safe to come to this NDC to do business,”
Parag also stated that the Hogstye/Lancaster NDC has already submitted its 2025 work plan and as a result, received its $30 million Government subvention.
In addition, the Agriculture Ministry will soon provide the NDC with a mini excavator to support road maintenance and drainage upgrades.
The commissioning of the new Hogstye/Lancaster NDC building, comes on the heels of the commissioning of a new building to house the newly formed 52-74 NDC. That NDC was formed when the 52-74 NDC was split, forming two NDCs: the 52-63 NDC and the 64-74 NDC.
Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six, Narindra Persaud, this year’s budget caters for Kilcoy-Hampshire NDC, Port Mourant-Johns NDC; Maida-Tarlogie NDC, and Macedonia-Joppa NDC.