Following her visit to East Ruimveldt last Wednesday, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, continued the Ministry’s community outreach and engagement drive with a visit to Festival City, North Ruimveldt.
The visit forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing sensitisation campaign on its WhatsApp Help Desk, an initiative designed to strengthen communication between citizens and the Ministry by providing a direct, accessible platform for reporting community issues and seeking assistance. During the engagement, Minister Manickchand met with residents, listened attentively to their concerns, and underscored the importance of citizen participation in improving local governance through timely and accurate reporting.
Residents were once again encouraged to utilise the Ministry’s WhatsApp Help Desk, which can be accessed via +592 762 2431, to report issues related to drainage, sanitation, solid waste management, road maintenance, street lighting, and other matters under the purview of local government authorities. Minister Manickchand explained that the platform allows for quicker responses, better coordination with regional and neighbourhood democratic councils, and improved monitoring of service delivery across communities.
During her interactions with residents, the Minister emphasised that the Help Desk is not only a complaints mechanism but also a tool for accountability and partnership, enabling the Ministry to better understand on-the-ground challenges while empowering citizens to play an active role in the development of their communities.
In addition to the sensitisation exercise, Minister Manickchand conducted a walk-through of sections of Festival City, where she examined several vacant and underutilised parcels of land that could potentially be transformed into playgrounds and safe recreational spaces for children and young people. She noted that the availability of structured recreational facilities is a key component of community development, contributing to youth engagement, physical activity, and social cohesion.
The Minister indicated that the Ministry will continue to work closely with regional authorities and community stakeholders to assess the feasibility of developing these spaces, with the aim of creating environments that are safe, inclusive, and beneficial to families living in the area.
Minister Manickchand reaffirmed the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development’s commitment to sustained community engagement, responsive governance, and people-centred development, noting that initiatives such as the WhatsApp Help Desk and the exploration of community recreational spaces are critical to improving service delivery and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
The Ministry will continue its sensitisation efforts in communities across the country as it works to strengthen communication, build trust, and ensure that the voices of residents remain central to local government decision-making.
