Latest update May 5th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 12, 2014 News
The high financial cost incurred by Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to hire fulltime and part-time workers for enhancement works in communities has been significantly reduced thanks to the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP).
This notion was expressed by Randolph Blair, Chairman of the Buxton/Foulis NDC, who related that his NDC cannot effectively service the 13 communities under its purview given its strength of three labourers.
Therefore, with CIIP hiring more than 60 Community Enhancement Workers to assist the Buxton/Foulis NDC with enhancement works such as weeding and cleaning of drains, cleaning of burial grounds and weeding of parapets would no longer be neglected, he added.
On Wednesday and Thursday, a team led by CIIP’s Project Coordinator Karen Roopchand visited Mon Repos/Reconnaissance, Beterverwagting/Triumph, Better Hope/La Bonne Intention, and Buxton/Foulis NDC, East Coast Demerara to sign employment contracts for 95 Community Enhancement Workers. They will assist the NDCs in executing their work programmes.
The workers were supplied with tools and safety gear. They are expected to begin work this Monday with immediate focus on the clearing of burial grounds.
According to Blair, there are six cemeteries within his NDC and all require cleaning. He believes that the workers should utilize the dry season to clear the burial grounds since the overgrown vegetation needs to be cut. He foresees that Africanized bees could be a challenge for the workers. However, an official of the Project indicated that measures are in place to deal with such occurrences.
He stated that another area that needs urgent attention in the communities is the drainage networks. Since June, the drains were not cleaned and with the impending rainy season swift action must be taken to prevent flooding, he added.
In addition, the Community Enhancement Workers will assist in patching of potholes with crusher-run, a task that would have required hiring a contractor.
While the NDC is aware of its duties and responsibilities to residents, low tax collection has prevented their achievements, he said. Blair anticipates that improvements to the communities would motivate residents to pay their taxes.
Blair’s concerns were expressed by officials of other NDCs who complained of low tax collection. They too are grateful for the assistance.
According to Parsram Ramkisson, Overseer of Mon Repos/La Reconnaissance NDC, with limited tax collection it is difficult to provide adequate services to the 14,000 households in the NDC.
He said that CIIP has provided the answer to the labour shortage the NDC is experiencing. Oftentimes, the NDC is forced to hire private contractors for routine maintenance works and cleaning of drains.
The positive effects of CIIP are not only being experienced at the NDC level but also by persons who have gained employment.
Ramkissoon, a Community Enhancement Worker, is the breadwinner for his small family comprising his wife and two grandchildren. Because of the 16-hour per work week schedule Ramkissoon is able to have a second job.
“The money I earn from working with CIIP will fill a lot of holes and provide my family with a steady income,” Ramkisson said.
Photo in Sunday as buxton
Caption: CIIP’s Project Coordinator Karen Roopchand (C), Regional Community Enhancement Officer (L) with Community Enhancement Workers
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