Region 2 RDC objects to blockage of Cotton Field trench

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) objected to the blockage of a trench in front of the Department of Education at Cotton Field.
Guyana Times was told that this is being done without the knowledge of the RDC nor the Mayor of Anna Regina.
As such, the RDC notes with deep concern the fact that the trench is being blocked with loads of sand, which has created drainage challenges in an area that is already affected by floods even during minimal rainfall.

“What is of major concern is that several key institutions are located within the vicinity; these include the Cotton Field Secondary School, Anna Regina Secondary School, Anna Regina Secondary Dormitories, the Guyana School of Agriculture, Cyril Potter College of Education, Institute of Distance and Continuing Education, the Department of Education, the National Communications Network, and several Government quarters and residences,” Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt told this publication.
He noted that he wrote the Regional Executive Officer (REO) over a month ago for information regarding the need to block the waterway, but is still awaiting a response.
The Chairman added that he also contacted the Mayor to verify if approval was granted by the Anna Regina Municipality and was told that no such request was made to the municipality.
As such both the RDC and the municipality are in the dark as to why the trench was blocked or what project will be conducted in the area.
“This the RDC views as a total disregard for the local authority bodies. In fact, at a recent community consultation organised by the municipality, serious objections were raised on the indiscriminate dumping of sand in the said drainage trench,” Ramdatt said.
The Regional Chairman further argued that such actions are disrespectful for local governance and sets a bad example to the public, particularly when residents have to follow approved procedures if they intend to undertake similar projects.
The RDC reiterated its position that “consultations with residents and key stakeholders whenever public funds are to be used is a priority,” the Chairman said.
He added that the region’s RDC however remains convinced that the utilisation of tax dollars ought to focus on positively impacting the lives of residents and not create negative effects on the environment.
“The RDC strongly objects to the blockage of the trench and recommends that the new engineer do proper feasibility studies or assessments before he implements another poorly designed project,” the Chairman added.
He said that the RDC is monitoring the situation and is prepared to take all appropriate actions to represent the best interest of residents.
Efforts to contact the REO and the regional engineer for a comment on the issue proved futile.