Govt to solicit help from embassies to maintain local parks- Harmon

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon during a sector review of the Department of the Environment earlier this week, committed to the administration of the National Parks Commission (NPC) to engage several embassies here to solicit their assistance in maintaining the local parks.

The NPC faces several challenges that hinder the proper maintenance of the local parks.

According to a release from the Department of Public Information, these include drainage issues on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) in the vicinity of Joe Viera Park, which has led to the park’s flooding.

Drainage issues on the northern portion of the Zoological Park and Rescue Centre also pose challenges.

In light of these and other hindrances to revenue collection, Minister Harmon has assured that steps are being taken to address these matters through joint ventures with foreign embassies, the first being the Chinese.

The State Minister said that “The Chinese have committed in a major way to dealing with Joe Viera Park. We’ve done some site visits; soil testing and I can assure you that I will aggressively go after this to ensure that they not only maintain it but I’m looking for a long-term maintenance contract for about ten years or so”.

He is optimistic that by the end of 2018, the park will be to the desired standard. There will be a major push, Minister Harmon committed, for the acquiring of equipment such as excavators, slashers, and tractors, among others to aid in the maintenance efforts.