Minister of Local Government continues to promote WhatsApp Help Desk in Festival City, North Ruimveldt

Continuing her community outreach drive, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, visited Festival City, North Ruimveldt, to promote the Ministry’s WhatsApp Help Desk. This initiative aims to strengthen communication between citizens and the Ministry, providing a direct platform for reporting local issues, such as drainage, sanitation, road maintenance and street lighting. Residents were encouraged to use the Help Desk in order to ensure faster responses and improved monitoring of service delivery.

During her visit Manickchand engaged with residents, listening to their concerns and highlighting the role of citizen participation in enhancing local governance. She expressed that the Help Desk is not just a complaints mechanism: it is a tool for accountability and partnership. Minister Manickchand explained that the platform allows for quicker responses, better coordination with regional and neighbourhood democratic councils (NDCs) and improved monitoring of service delivery across communities.
The Minister conducted a walk through sections of Festival City, examining vacant parcels of land that could be transformed into playgrounds and recreational spaces for children and youth. She noted that structured recreational facilities contribute to community development, youth engagement and social cohesion. Minister Manickchand reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to people-centred development and said efforts are being made to promote the WhatsApp Help Desk and explore community spaces nationwide. Minister Manickchand reaffirmed the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development’s commitment to sustained community engagement, responsive governance and people-centred development, noting that initiatives such as the WhatsApp Help Desk and the exploration of community recreational spaces are critical to improving service delivery and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. Residents are encouraged to utilise the Ministry’s WhatsApp Help Desk, which can be accessed via +592 762 2431. The Ministry will continue its sensitisation efforts in communities across the country as it works to strengthen communication, build trust and ensure that the voices of residents remain central to local Government decision-making.