Prime Minister Mark Phillips has assured both local and regional bodies of Region 10 that government stands ready to collaborate and provide support to tackle the ongoing flooding issues in the region while emphasising the need to set aside political differences in order to collectively address the current challenges, a Department of Public Information (DPI) release stated on Saturday.
DPI informed that the Prime Minister made these remarks at an impromptu meeting with key stakeholders at the Watooka Guest House in Linden, to address the severe flooding in Region 10 – Upper Demerara-Berbice. These included Opposition Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira; and Clerk of the Linden Town Council, Lennox Gasper, among others.
At the meeting, Phillips assured local and regional entities of the government’s readiness to collaborate and provide support to tackle the ongoing flooding issues in the region and stated that it was very essential to put aside political differences and work collectively to address the current challenges.
He also highlighted the urgency of repairing critical infrastructure, including cleaning and clearing all drainage systems in the region, particularly around the town.
“Let’s have a comprehensive plan coming out from this committee that is formed and the Town Council and the Regional Democratic Council; these are things that we have to move forward and the government [will] support you,” the PM stated.
He also addressed the local authorities’ lack of preparedness for the rainy season, and stressed that the government serves as a facilitator at the central government level, making necessary resources available as requested by the region.
“Central, regional and local governments must work together. If the private sector or the stakeholders want to jump onboard, no problem. The focus is preparing the infrastructure,” he underscored.
According to the release, there are also plans for a future meeting between Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, and stakeholders to further discuss the issues and collaborate on effective solutions.
Figueira expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for convening the meeting and assured that the matters discussed would be brought to the attention of the regional disaster committee for further action and follow-up.
