Georgetown: Several city canals are to be targeted in the massive clean-up campaign including Downer, Lamaha, Middleton Street to Water Street; Irving, Church, Sussex, Young and Princes Streets canals. Advertisements were made and 16 bids were received with bidders submitting quotations for varying numbers of lots.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker said the minister pointed out that the bidding was for seven lots, with each representing a canal to be de-silted, and that the bids are now being assessed. Awards are expected to be made within a fortnight, he added.
The 2014 National Budget allocated the sum of $1B for the clean-up of Georgetown and the rest of the country. The sum of $500M was allocated for the Capital City and the massive clean-up campaign is expected to begin in August.
The activity is spearheaded by the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry which has established a work group to implement the programme and address the expenditure of the sums for the period remaining before the end of the fiscal year.
Le Repentir Cemetery is divided into three components for the clean-up; de-silting of internal drains, rehabilitation of internal roads and de-bushing.
Minister Whittaker indicated that thus far 11 bids were received in respect of de-silting of drains and 11 in respect of rehabilitation of internal roads. Pointing out that there are plans for extensive work on the internal drains, and roads. For the de-bushing, the ministry will be seeking the assistance of prisoners.
Additionally, regarding concerns raised about honey-bee hives in the cemetery, the view was this could pose a danger not only to workers, but to persons traversing the area.
He explained that discussions were held with the Chairman of the Association of Beekeepers, who would prepare and submit a proposal to guide the ministry on how this will be addressed.
Minister Whittaker indicated that working with community groups would ensure the involvement of the beneficiaries who will receive remuneration for labour provided. The expectation is that in addition to the city council, these groups will assist in sustaining the projects. Talks are also expected with the private sector for their involvement.
Six consultations have been held thus far in Campbellville, Albouystown, Kitty, Agricola, Cummings Lodge and East and West Ruimveldt. The Minister stated that through the Planning and Implementation Committee, every zone and community in Georgetown will be covered in consultation.
He added that the Georgetown City Council has been asked to provide the status of machinery available and based on need and priority; it will be determined which will be fixed. This would put them in a better position to maintain the service needed after the clean-up exercise.
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