WCD/EBE drainage, road works ongoing

The West Coast of Demerara (WCD) is now benefiting from a region-wide maintenance programme on various roads and waterways, including drains and canals, through a Region Three Regional Democratic Council (RDC) project.
Funded through monies allotted in the Region’s budget, the project aims to tackle “major issues” in various villages on the West Coast.
The community of De Kinderen, WCD, is currently benefiting from rehabilitation of all of its roads. Through assistance from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), all drains in the area are also being maintained.
Maintenance works have also commenced on trenches throughout the WCD, with 10 being dug out and cleared and several more to be tendered for.
The communities of Zeelugt, Tuschen, Zeeburg, Ocean View (Uitvlugt) and Meten-Meer-Zorg are also said to be benefiting from similar works.
Some $1.6 million was allotted and used for concrete strips to be constructed in Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
Additionally, burial grounds in each of these areas are currently benefiting from major improvements.
According to Tuschen-Uitvlugt Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman Vishal Ambedkar, the project is targeting areas based on the seriousness of the issues, whether road or drainage related or otherwise.
“We want everybody to benefit from the money so we are looking into the situation and rectifying depending on the state [of the infrastructure],” the NDC Chairman explained.
He, however, noted that although consultations with the RDC and NDCs were limited, as “we have not been notified on many issues”, the Tuschen-Uitvlugt NDC is happy with the project.
Ambedkar further noted that one area that needed urgent attention was Tuschen Phase Two where the roads were a major cause of concern for residents in the area.
“We are seeking Government’s assistance to rectify that issue, because the global state of the road in that area is a major cause of distress,” Ambedkar revealed.
“Cars taken by the residents to go into the area have since raised their fare since the road is in such a deplorable state.”
The NDC Chairman revealed that recent talks were had with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon as well as Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson regarding these issues and the need for Government’s urgent assistance.
Several letters were also sent to Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan and the NDC and RDC were hoping for a favourable response.