The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is making significant strides to improve the operational capacity and independence of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with a multi-million-dollar investment in the construction of six new buildings.
Work has already commenced on the Hogstye-Lancaster NDC Building and the Number 64-74 NDC Building. The Hogstye-Lancaster Building was demolished, and a new one is currently being constructed.
In the case of the 64-74 NDC, that Local Authority (LA) was created when the 52-74 NDC was split to form two separate NDCs: the 52-63 NDC and the 64-74 NDC.
The new building being constructed will house the 64-74 NDC, which has been using the former 52-74 NDC sub-office.
A new building being constructed for the 64-74 NDC
Those two projects fall under the 2024 work programme of the Ministry, and according to Regional Executive Officer (REO) Narindra Persaud, this year’s budget caters for Kilcoy-Hampshire NDC, Port Mourant-Johns NDC; Maida-Tarlogie NDC, and Macedonia-Joppa NDC.
Construction ongoing on the Hogstye-Lancaster NDC Building
These will be added to the two that are currently under construction, which are being built through the Ministry of Local Government. Tenders are out for the construction of four additional buildings.
“These projects mark the beginning of a major infrastructure push aimed at providing NDCs with the physical space and facilities needed to better serve their communities,” Persaud said while addressing the Regional Democratic Council recently.
The new facilities would enhance the ability of the NDCs to operate independently and efficiently, and provide local officials with modern spaces to conduct their work and engage with residents.
“This investment is part of a broader push by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to ensure that NDCs across the country are equipped with the necessary resources to effectively manage their communities and implement regional development programmes,” the REO added.