$80M in tractors, subvention payments handed over to nine NDCs in Region Four

The Government on Wednesday handed over nine tractors and subvention payments amounting to some $80M to nine Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Four.

The presentation was done on Wednesday by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamall at the Better Hope Community Center Ground, East Coast Demerara

It is geared towards aiding in community development and maintenance of community infrastructure and to assist in day-to-day logistics of the NDCs.

In his address at the event, Dharamall said the equipment and subventions will also serve to ensure that community workers are “responsive and active” in ensuring the concerns of the communities are addressed.

“I hope that we are able to get the best out of the investments that we are making and that residents within our communities, they would be satisfied knowing that the government is at the forefront working towards community enhancement and community development,” he said.

“We expect that you are going to work assiduously to get our communities upgraded in conjunction with government, in conjunction with the RDCs (Regional Democratic Councils) as well and even amongst yourselves as NDCs (Neighbourhood Democratic Councils),” Dharamlall noted.

According to Dharamlall, over the past two years there has been a “tremendous” partnership between Central and Local government.

He said the “heavy lifting” infrastructure works that are ongoing on roads, bridges, health and education facilities across the country shows the government commitment to ensure the lives of people at local level are improved.

“Over the next few months, we also expect that our Councils are going to be very prevalent in communities, not because of Local Government Elections, but because more resources are coming your way,” Dharamlall said.

The government recently made similar contributions to NDCs in Region Three and on the East Bank of Demerara.