$50M subvention to transform drainage system, boost services in New Amsterdam – Mayor – News Room Guyana
The New Amsterdam Township, like the other municipalities, is set to benefit from $50 million in government funding aimed at improving drainage, strengthening municipal services and advancing key infrastructure projects.
New Amsterdam received the grant on Friday last, when Minister of Local Government and Regional Development broke ground for a new market there. The minister announced the massive increase to the annual subventions earlier this year with towns set to benefit from $50 million and $30 million for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).
The town’s Mayor, Wainwright McIntosh on Wednesday told the News Room that the Council’s budget was about $279 million with approximately $126 million already expended, of which about $78 million was spent on wages and salaries. While trying to maintain municipal projects, the Mayor explained that the government subvention will now supplement the budget, ensuring that all projects are able to roll out seamlessly.
“We must continue our massive resuscitation to our drainage and irrigation system. The dynamics would have changed, with this year’s subvention, the council will be procuring vacuum suction pumps to have the drains cleaned and minimise flooding,” the Mayor said.
McIntosh said the municipality will continue efforts to improve the town’s drainage system, particularly the cleaning of interlock drains.
The $50 million will also cover the maintenance of the garbage truck provided to the municipality.
“The maintenance of that garbage, inclusive of fuel, purchasing of fuel for that truck, [will] enable its sustainability with regards to service to the citizens of New Amsterdam,” the Mayor said.
The town was also promised another compact garbage truck to further enhance solid waste management.
The council also plans to use part of the funding to construct a shed for the parking and storage of municipal machinery and equipment.
In addition, the Mayor said a footpath will be constructed in one of the constituencies as part of the projects being undertaken through the subvention.
He also said cooperation between the municipality and central government in advancing development is paramount for citizen’s overall benefit.
“Partnerships are very essential, I must state clearly, the Council is not a hindrance to development. Where citizens stand to benefit – that is our ultimate purpose, serving our citizens of the town,” he said.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
