Staff village Moengo: Soldiers must keep squatters out

The old staff village that is located at Moengo and that used to belong to the Suriname Aluminum Company (Suralco) has not been handed over to the Ministry of Defense nor has the area been turned into a military camp. Several government officials on Friday pointed out that the government has no plans to turn it into a military camp. The staff village is reportedly being guarded to keep squatters out. “There is nothing going on but we will not allow lawlessness,” Defense Minister Ronnie Benschop told legislators on Friday. Regional Development Minister Edgar Dikan told legislators that he, Minister Benschop and Natural Resources Minister are constantly discussing the next phase of the staff village. Their plans are aimed at letting the staff village be useful to the development of the Marowijne District and Moengo in particular. The first phase is keeping the area under the control and management of the State and protecting it against lawlessness. “There have already been burglaries,” said Minister Dikan who added that criminals are eying the staff village. Legislators last week demanded answers after residents had complained that they no longer have access to the staff village where soldiers are currently stationed. In the past the residents had permission to use the sport facilities and to enter the area for recreational purposes. Driving exams also took place in the area. A local driving school has been given permission to give driving exams in the area. “The driving exams took place and after that the area was closed off again,” said Minister Dikan. A local sports association that used the field will have to wait a little longer for permission to enter the area again.