Chester Trace, one of the most depressed areas in Debe, has been adopted by the Penal Rotary Club and already attempts are being made to improve infrastructure and literacy in the community.During a tour yesterday, president of the Penal Rotary Club, Clint Arjoon, and chairman of the National Commission for Self Help Surujdeo Mangaroo promised to work with community activists to improve life in the area.
President of the Chester Street Action Group, Kevin Singh, said for years, residents had been complaining of a range of social problems including drug and alcohol abuse, poor roads, improper drainage, no electricity, flooding and domestic abuse.Because of extensive poverty and high illiteracy, Singh said the community had remained in a depressed state while other areas in Debe were fast developing.Resident Kathleen Ramroop said her daughter, Nickel Rojan-an SEA student, had been studying using a kerosene lamp for years because they had no electricity.
Pensioner Sookdeo Manoo said because of poor drainage, his home had started to sink. He noted that excess water from the road had been flowing into his property for years.Mangaroo said that forms would be provided for the residents so that they could access minor repair grants and funds to improve roads and drainage in their communities. He stressed that proper process would be followed in the distribution of the grants. Mangaroo explained that the commission would be going directly to communities to educate them on how they could access Government funding.He explained that people in need of grants could visit the commission's offices on Mondays from 10 am tonoon in San Fernando and 10 am to 1 pm in the Port-of-Spain office.