The administration of some sixteen local government organs in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) over recent years has been seriously affected by severe staff shortages and poor tax collection. As a consequence development works in several areas across the region which fall under the jurisdiction of Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) have been hampered. The sprawling agricultural region is home to some 150,000 people across 16 NDCs and three townships. However, three areas do not fall under the administration of any local government organ and are described as "undeclared areas." They are the East Bank of Berbice, West Canje and the Greater Moleson area.
The statutory composition of the region's NDCs range from between 11 and 18 councillors, depending on their size but a local government source told this newspaper that over recent times this figure has dwindled to between two and six councillors.
The ministry is reportedly addressing this issue by perusing the replacement list. The NDCs have lost councillors to migration and resignation over the years while local government elections have not been held since 1994.
Despite the difficulties, Regional Chairman Kumkarran Ramdas told Stabroek News that the NDCs should be given credit for what they have done in the circumstances. He posited that more power should be given to them but they were being constrained by the stagnation of the local government reform process. "Some people feel alienated from the decision- making process and do not understand the constraints or the efforts of the NDCs. There is also a problem with the quality of people who are elected as councillors in some NDCs. I would however like to see more consultation with residents and additional works on streets and drainage."
An NDC is headed by a chairman who receives a monthly stipend of $5,000 and staffed by an overseer, an assistant overseer, a typist, a ranger and a charwoman, who should be paid monthly salaries from the collection of rates and taxes. Most of the NDCs in the region are allocated an annual subvention of $3 million while the Nos 52-74 NDC, which encompasses the largest area in the region, receives a slightly larger amount. According to the source the smaller NDCs in the region should collect approximately $1 million in rates and taxes annually, but most only collect between 18 and 20 per cent of this sum. The Nos 52-74 NDC, however, should collect approximately $20 million annually in rates and taxes. Last year it collected 32 per cent of this amount.
And across in Region Five, the largest NDC in West Berbice, Naarstigheil/Union is owed some $13 million by delinquent taxpayers. Chairman of the NDC Edwin Joseph told Stabroek News recently that "if property owners pay up their outstanding rates and taxes we would be in a better position to provide the additional services which people have been clamouring for over the years." The official noted that if rates and taxes are not collected on a regular basis then the councils would be unable to pay the salaries of its officers and this has been a problem they have faced for sometime now."
The NDCs should meet on a monthly basis but many are faced with the problem of having a quorum. According to the source "in most cases five councillors should be present at meetings to form a quorum. This situation has been affecting the work of the NDCs in the region for several years now."
A number of Berbicians told this newspaper that they had lost confidence in the NDCs and town councils because they have failed to deliver basic services. They argue that the councils are demanding payment of rates and taxes but nothing tangible had been done over the years, even though they had been paying their dues. The regional administration executes capital infrastructure works including drainage and irrigation in several NDC areas along the coast.
Many Berbicians have expressed the view that the dilemma that confronts local governance in the region will not be resolved until more autonomy is given to the NDCs, and the people are allowed to choose their representatives without interference by the political parties.