A release from the Ministry said that he congratulated the NDC and residents for their initiative which resulted in the construction of the office at a cost of $9M.
Whittaker reiterated that there is still an important role for Local Government Organs in community development “provided the local leaders and the residents are prepared to put aside partisan politics and work along with Government to bring improvements to the lives of the people they serve”, the release said.
The Minister said that while the subvention granted annually to NDCs and Municipalities by Government is a relatively small amount of $260M; notice must be taken of the billions of dollars of goods and services provided by Government at the level of the sector Ministries and the Regional Democratic Councils which benefit the Guyanese people.
The release said that most of the project funds came from the NDC rates/taxes paid by residents with some Ministry of Local Government financial support. The new building will accommodate, not only NDC staff but provides a waiting area for the public.
NDC Chairman Randolph Blair was praised by residents for his pro-activeness and leadership, the release said.