Pushing on government’s agenda to bring better services to communities, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, told a forum that providing reliable and predictable public services can contribute to positive changes in citizens’ attitudes and behaviour.
The minister made the remarks during an interview on the Guyana Dialogue programme, where she addressed government’s ongoing efforts to improve communities and enhance the quality of life for citizens.
She pointed to garbage collection as an example, noting that when residents know their garbage will be collected on time and are provided with the necessary facilities, they are more likely to use the system properly.
“If you start giving people hope that we can do better, we can be better, we can look better, our services are reliable and predictable, and, for example, garbage will be picked up on time, and people believe that, then I think people themselves begin to change their own attitudes,” Minister Manickchand said.
She cited improvements observed around Stabroek Market, noting that when she first came into office, large quantities of garbage were being collected from the area, while today, the amount has significantly decreased as residents make greater use of bins and garbage collection services.
The minister also stressed that government’s investment in markets and other community infrastructure must be supported by proper maintenance and community involvement.
Explaining that market committees comprising of vendors, purchasers, community representatives and other stakeholders will have a role in helping to manage and maintain the facilities.
“It’s not just money, it’s not just a government; it’s a vision to build, and actually we are building. But it’s a government who understands that we have to change the attitudes of our people and what they have become accustomed to because of years and years of neglect,” she said.
Minister Manickchand further highlighted the role of education and young people in driving behavioural change, noting that access to secondary education has expanded significantly over the years. She said schools are now reaching the majority of children and are helping to develop greater awareness about issues such as littering and responsibility to society.
She added that children and young people can also influence behavioural change within their homes and communities, noting that a child can encourage a parent not to litter or improperly dispose of waste.
Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand emphasised that one of the ministry’s major priorities is to ensure that communities, neighbourhoods, the capital city and other towns are clean, habitable and orderly.
This, she said, includes reliable waste collection and disposal, clean drains and properly developed recreational spaces.