“Demand your rights” – Minister Harmon tells Kildonan residents

Residents of Kildonan, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and its surrounding communities were on Tuesday urged by Minister of State Joseph Harmon to hold public officials inclusive of those in Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (RDC/NDCs) accountable, as he noted that they have been placed there to serve the citizens. He reiterated that they must therefore demand that their interests and those of the community are addressed.
The Minister, while speaking at a community meeting held at the Kildonan Community Centre Ground, addressed the concerns that were raised by residents as it relates to poor utility services that are being offered.
The Minister called on residents to hold their regional officials accountable just as they do Central Government and admonished the regional leaders to work to

ensure the interests of their constituents are properly represented.
“You have to put pressure on these people, on the NDC, on the RDC because when funds are allocated, it is for them to provide a service for you citizens. If you know money has been allocated in the budget for works in your community and you do not see anything happening, there is a provision in the clause of NDCs, which states that you can go and petition the NDC,” he said to the residents.
His advice to the regional officials was, “Community leaders must face the community. If you cannot talk to your people and do things for them then they will not respect you or listen to you. You have to see people and see what they need,” he said.
During the meeting, Marvin Duncan, a resident who lost his home recently to a fire, was informed by Minister Harmon that 10 tonnes of sand as well as 500 concrete blocks will be provided to aid his rebuilding efforts.
Hazrat Hussain, also a resident of the region, noted that the residents of East Bank Berbice are happy and grateful for the works that have been taking place in that area, particularly the road works.
The Public Infrastructure Ministry has undertaken the $1.2 billion project, which will see the construction of a five kilometres roadway from Overwinning to Everton, equipped with new features aimed at bolstering road safety. The road, which was deplorable in the dry weather, is now impassable in the rainy season.