Residents of South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, pressed officials for action on longstanding concerns over roads, drainage, water quality and community security during a Cabinet Outreach exercise on Wednesday.
The issues were raised during a visit by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond as part of the wider outreach, which saw Cabinet members visit Region 10 to address concerns faced by residents across various communities.
Pensioner Earl Stuart expressed frustration over what he described as incomplete and fragmented road works, recalling that he had helped petition for improvements decades ago, though some areas continue to experience poor conditions.
“They come and do a piece of road lately here and about a hundred yards left. It’s over two years…It’s time for action,” he said.
Resident Barbara Davis raised concerns about drainage linked to recent road works, saying inadequate infrastructure is directing water toward her home and causing erosion around her property.
She also complained about water quality, saying her household has been unable to use the supply for normal purposes and has been forced to install a filter, while still being expected to pay its monthly water bill.
A representative from Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) acknowledged the concerns and explained that flushing points had been installed at the end of the water network to address buildup, committing to visit Davis’ home to assess the problem.
Resident Reycia Nedd said a recent spate of break-ins has left residents fearful, particularly those who live alone, and questioned the visibility of Community Policing Groups in the area. Officials said arrangements would be made to connect residents with the relevant group and liaison officer.
Minister Walrond assured residents that their concerns would be addressed.
“The President has developed a portal where we input all of your concerns, and each one of them will be directed to the respective minister. We have a timeline in which we have to answer and give a solution or if we can’t give a solution right away, present a pathway to the President. That is going to happen tomorrow morning,” she said.
