DOMINICA: The Department of Local Government and Community Development celebrates its 27thanniversary under the theme ‘Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals’.
Hon. Acting Minister for Social Services, Family and Gender Affairs, Roselyn Paul, addressed the nation on Tuesday, May 3rd, on the occasion of Local Government Month.
“Let me from the onset recognize the role played by Local Government practitioners, community-based groups, the numerous volunteers who on a daily basis contribute to nation building. I need at this juncture to applaud the contributions made by various publics, individuals, organizations, and institutions in the response and recovery efforts post Tropical Storm Erika.”
Hon Paul noted that Government is tasked to localize the sustainable development goals. She referenced the ground breaking ceremony of the West Bridge as one of the ways the Government is responding to that goal.
“In terms of responding to this goal many persons witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony by the Government of Dominica on Friday 22nd April to commence work on the West Bridge across the Roseau River. In terms of safety in the city, it is expected that dredging will take place to allow for easier flow of water inclusive of retaining walls which will control the flow.
“This is just one practical example of making our cities safer, resilient and sustainable. One can also add the urban renewal plans for the city of Roseau and the town of Portsmouth which will assist us in meeting.”
The Minister says the issue of climate change should be taken very seriously.
“Goal number 13 which is ‘take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact’ must be brought to the fore. Tropical Storm Erika taught us a lesson that the effects of climate change is real and it should be everybody’s business. Increase in vectors and disease such as Zika and Chikungunya is also an identified climate change associated issue that we most continue to take proactive action against. I am very happy with the feedback from numerous publics with regards to mainstreaming risk reduction and mitigation and initiating adaptation measures to combat climate change effects which is inkeeping with the Central Government’s thrust.”
The Government of Dominica makes tremendous financial contributions to local authorities for development projects and programmes in communities.
Also, over $2m is given to councils annually in the form of subvention. The Government of Dominica is committed to moving local government reform forward.
