Calls mount for new Region 10 RDC Building

…..As recent fire report deems building a fire hazard

The Region 10 Regional Democratic Council (RDC), is calling on central government to allocate funds in the 2023 budget for the continuation of the construction of a new headquarters at Speightland. Construction of the new building started in 2018, however funds were slashed from the 2022 budget. A recent fire report handed over to the Regional Chairman Deron Adams, deemed the building ‘a fire hazard’. This report followed a detailed inspection of the building by the Guyana Fire Service. The inspection unearthed that the building falls below several safety and health standards, has several sewage leaks, is congested and has electrical defects.

The building, located on Republic Avenue, Mackenzie, is more than 40 years old. It currently accommodates more than 100 staff members while the education and health departments are housed separately. Regional Chairman Deron Adams, said the council will push decisively for the building to be included in the budget as the safety of more than 100 administrative staff and councillors depend on it.

The new headquarters is currently at the foundation stage. The design aimed at providing a modern and extended space for the staff to effectively serve the region. It also aims to have all the departments housed under one roof, for more effective management.

Adams said last year, he wrote to Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and the Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall; justifying the urgent need for the building. He believes that when consultations are done with the people, their desires should be respected and the RDC should be given the autonomy to determine what projects should be placed in the budget.

The RDC is currently doing community and stakeholder consultations for the 2023 budget.