Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill yesterday met with residents of Haslington Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) said that the residents expressed concerns about garbage disposal, lack of adequate recreational facilities, the need for streetlights in the area, and the rehabilitation of various roads.
Anthony said a collaborative effort will foster development in the area.
“If we don’t have a counterpart within the community, it makes it difficult to get things done in the community. I think this community meeting is a very positive start. We will engage the relevant ministers who will come and talk to you on the specific projects that you have. We have a government that is going to work with everybody,” he stated.
Meanwhile, DPI said that Edghill urged residents to form a Community Develop-ment Council (CDC) so that their concerns could be adequately addressed. He emphasised the importance of the group to developing the community.
“For example, when a CDC is cleaning up a community, and everybody is involved, the level of vigilance against people dumping garbage would be elevated because you are involved in the development of your community. When there is no organised group, it is nobody’s responsibility.
“There are times when we have to be our brother’s keeper, and we also have to put pressure on our peers to make sure that we can lift the community together. We see your concerns, government will work with you, but government can only do so much. You have to organize yourself to ensure that that is a continuous engagement, and benefits continue to come to your community,” the minister stated.
“Where people live, you can be assured that the PPP/C will be there to look after the interests of people. Our work is not about a show, our work is about bringing benefits to people. It’s not a matter of where people vote. It is about where people live, and where people have issues that need to be addressed, we go there, and address their issues,” Edghill added.
He also conducted a walkabout around the community to assess the condition of the roads.
