Local gov’t ministry examines new dashboard to monitor, resolve complaints

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand on Wednesday said a new dashboard could be created to help officials track complaints from residents. 

In a video shared on her Facebook page, she said such a dashboard would help the ministry respond better to the needs of citizens. 

“We are currently examining building out a dashboard where we could see centrally and locally where the complaints are… not only to see what they are but to make sure that they are resolved effectively,” Manickchand said. 

Manickchand spoke about the possible venture just after visiting the Caledonia/Good Success Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), as part of her ongoing engagements with local government bodies across the country.

In a release, the ministry said Manickchand held discussions with the NDC Overseer, Chair, workmen, and other officials on the state of operations within the community during that visit. The conversations centered on the challenges faced at the local level, the delivery of services to residents, and the ways in which the Ministry can provide greater support to ensure effective and efficient functioning of the NDC.

The engagement at Caledonia/Good Success NDC also included a review of the Single Window System, which is designed to streamline the process of applying for and obtaining approvals for building and extension works, both residential and commercial, through a single, simplified portal. It was also noted that Minister Manickchand examined how the system is functioning at the NDC level and was made aware that it is currently down. She emphasized to officials and staff that the system must work in service to the citizens of Guyana, and that supervisory and mandatory processes will be put in place to ensure this is done.