Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Presidential Advisor on Community Development Odinga Lumumba inspected drainage works done in North Ruimveldt, during a walkabout on Wednesday.
Last year, concerned citizens from the area had approached the Prime Minister’s office for assistance to clear minor drainage structures such as culverts and canals that had been neglected by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). As a result of Hinds’ intervention, central government made $3.5M available to enhance the area, a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said.
Lumumba said that North Ruimveldt needs specific attention for effective drainage as there are no drains in some areas, which leaves the roads inundated and eventually they start to deteriorate. “Repairing the roads wouldn’t really solve the problem because water keeps having permanence on the road,” he said. Lumumba noted that in some areas, the roads are very low which is why they had focused on clearing the drains. The Public Works Ministry has also started rebuilding some of the roads.
One resident, Norma Joseph said she was pleased at the expediency with which the matter was addressed at the Prime Minister’s office. Works started in November. However, another resident, Ricardo Blackman, said he was concerned about maintenance, a matter which the Prime Minister said he would try to make provisions for in the 2012 budget.
Meanwhile, Lumumba called on the City Council to take its responsibilities to the city seriously. He also urged citizens to demand more from their municipality since they are paying taxes.
