The issue of poor drainage within Georgetown dominated the list of complaints and concerns of residents when they met with Mayor Ubraj Narine, city councillors and other officers during the municipality’s inaugural Public Day on Tuesday.
The day was set aside by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to interact with members of the public and listen to their views and concerns. It started off with an interfaith service, which was attended by staff and citizens who were early to the event.
When Stabroek News visited City Hall’s compound on Tuesday, the event was well underway and despite the inclement weather, scores of citizens turned out and shared their concerns.
“We handled numerous issues with poor drainage being the most people complained about in the Kitty area. We had issues on rates which were dealt with,” Mayor Narine said while speaking to reporters.
In the affected areas, residents were promised a visit by M&CC officers to assess their situation.
Some residents also used the opportunity to request waivers on interest generated for non-payment of taxes to the council.
These issues, Narine said, will be looked at since the council is looking to improve the lives of citizens.
The mayor explained further that while they promised to visit affected areas for assessments, citizens were encouraged to do their part in keeping drains and alleyways clean.
“According to Chapter 28.01 (Municipal and District Councils Act) residents are expected to help keep their environs clean. The law says it, not because you are paying taxes you don’t have to clean your parapets so we asked residents to help do their part and the council will do its part,” Narine asserted.
He deemed the activity successful and said that before the year is finished, another Public Day will be hosted.
“…It was successful and we would have another, yes! Before the end of the year. The public have a very important input into the decisions we make so we want to hear from them. The people’s voice is bigger than council. We accepted the recommendations and we will work to have them implemented,” the mayor added, while stating that residents in affected communities offered suggestions on how the issues can be rectified.
Narine was supported by acting Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick, City Engineer Colvern Venture, Solid Waste Director Walter Narine, Councillor and Chairman of the Finance Committee Oscar Clarke and other officers from the council.
