President David Granger has said local democratic organs are critical
to community and national development.
In July of this year, while speaking at the National Conference of
Local Democratic Organs, the Head of State reminded that NDCs and
Municipalities are responsible for providing critical services to
residents. Among the amenities are garbage disposal and sanitation,
infrastructure development and maintenance and drainage and
irrigation.
“These are challenging duties and huge responsibilities, that require
collaboration, cooperation and coordination between the various local
government organs and Central Government. They require a commitment by
all and at all levels of government and society… Local government
organs must provide quality public services to residents; these public
services are vital to improving the living and working conditions
within neighbourhoods and villages. Local democracy allows citizens a
greater say in the local democratic organs it creates the catalyst for
transforming the neighbourhoods, the villages and communities into
centres of human interaction,” the Head of State said during his
address.
The president had also stated the importance of communities having
Village Improvement Plans (VIPs).
“These plans are important to all villages. Every village should have
a VIP These should be blueprints for improving the delivery of
services in communities countrywide. Every VIP must address as a
priority the four major services.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan said Local Government
in Guyana has been catapulted to its rightful position, as the
strategic partner in national development. He noted that after an
absence of several decades under the previous administration, local
government elections are receiving the attention it deserves.
Local Government Elections will be held on November 12 this year and
given the important roles of the local democratic organs in the
ensuring residents enjoy the good life, citizens are encouraged to
ensure their participation.
