In a passionate representation for the community of Linden, which falls under the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region 10, Chairman Deron Adams called on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to act on the flood disaster because Lindeners deserve better treatment. “The people of Linden deserve better, and it is time that the central government takes responsibility for their negligence and prioritises the welfare and safety of all citizens.”
Speaking at the Opposition’s press conference yesterday, Adams addressed the disaster resulting from the flood and government disregard for the regional and municipal authorities.
Region 10 is a strong hold of People’s National Congress Islahat (PNCR), the major party in the Opposition coalition, A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).
Expressing frustration with central government’s undermining the authority of the local and regional authorities, Adams said the blame being shifted onto the local leaders by the Prime Minister is unjust and unacceptable. “The failure to execute sensible policies and allocate funds for critical infrastructure projects has directly contributed to the disastrous flooding and erosion in Linden.”
Earlier in the week Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon made a plea to central government to address the disaster.
The mayor told Village Voice News “In March, councillors and I stood with residents protesting the construction of roads and footpaths by the central government without drains. This oversight has not only wasted public funds but also poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of residents in the Canvas City and Victory communities.”
The floods have upended the lives of hundreds, displacing families, shattering lives, destroying properties and livelihoods. Many homes are now waterlogged ruins. Persons are being forced to wade through filthy floodwaters, and are many struggling to salvage whatever they could. Damages have been estimated in the tens of millions.
Outlining the region’s effort in managing disaster of this nature, Adams said the regional council knows what to do. The chairman reminded just a few years ago when the hinterland areas and Kwakwani was inundated, the Region activated its disaster response team even before the CDC had reached out to attempt to do so.
Adams also highlighted the economic deprivation the region experiences from the PPP/C government which places constraints infrastructural development and maintenance work. He said from 2020-2024 the RDC submitted, in their budgetary proposal to central government, requested money to address over 50 drains. The requested was denied.
The full statement follows:
THE PEOPLE OF LINDEN AND REGION #10 DESERVE BETTER FROM THE GOVERNMENT
We wish to draw your attention to a critical issue that has been plaguing the Linden community and which has resulted in massive flooding and erosion that recently occurred in Linden. It is clear that the responsibility for this disaster lies squarely with the central government, who have consistently ignored the well-informed policy decisions and representations made by your elected council regarding the urgent need to upgrade the drainage system in the region.
Since 2020, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region #10, has been advocating for the prioritization of drainage system upgrades in Linden. This policy decision was unanimously voted on and supported by the local leaders, who understand the pressing need for effective drainage infrastructure to mitigate flooding and erosion risks. Despite these efforts, the central government has continuously disregarded these calls for action and, shockingly, removed over 50 proposed drains from the budgets of 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 combined.
It is frustrating to note that in the 2024 budget, the government approved funding for only three (3) drains in entire Region #10 under the capital program, a clear indicator of their misplaced priorities. Comparisons with other communities where funds were allocated for drainage systems before road construction highlighted the discriminatory practices in allocation of resources towards Region #10.
The blame being shifted onto the local leaders by the Prime Minister is unjust and unacceptable. The failure to execute sensible policies and allocate funds for critical infrastructure projects has directly contributed to the disastrous flooding and erosion in Linden. We urgently call upon the central government to reconsider its stance and provide funding for the over 50 drains that were submitted between the period of 2020-2024 proposed budget by the RDC, Region #10.
The Prime Minister would be well advised that this is the proactive nature of actions advanced by the elected local leadership that should be emulated. Rather than running to visit communities already affected by flooding, the RDC and Municipality are advocating the adoption of sensible policies that would ensure that either these occurrences do not happen in the first place, or in the instances of excessive rainfall, the effects are brief and manageable.
Lindeners have managed disaster response on a local and national level before in an exemplary manner. During the unfortunate floods that swept through the coastland, Linden was at the forefront of the emergency response that rescued nearly four thousand Guyanese in a structured manner. Just a few years ago when flooding hit the hinterland areas and Kwakwani was inundated, Region #10 had activated its disaster response team even before the CDC had reached out to attempt to do so.
It is noteworthy that when the Prime Minister listed the agencies he had enlisted to respond in this instance, the RDC and the Mayor and Town Council were ignored but the Town Clerk and the Regional Executive Officer were listed as though these officers, who work for and on behalf of these Councils, were the only person who should be engaged in this response, confirming his government’s intention to govern from Georgetown and direct the affairs of the people of the Region and town through the officers with no regard for local governance.
LOCAL GOVERNANCE is important because local leaders are in touch with the unique needs of their communities. True consultation with residents and respect for local input would ensure that government budgets for the needs of communities rather than simply creating earning opportunities for a few favourites.
- FUND THE CREATION OF A DRAINAGE PLAN FOR LINDEN.
- BUILD DRAINS THEN ROADS.
It is not an emergency response if you sit in the capital and respond to these situations days or weeks afterwards rather than taking advice and being proactive to avoid these occurrences.
It is imperative that proper action is taken to rectify this situation and prevent further devastation in our community. The people of Linden deserve better, and it is time that the central government takes responsibility for their negligence and prioritizes the welfare and safety of all citizens.
We would like to thank the Leader of the Opposition who responded swiftly to Lindeners in visiting and providing relief packages to residents.