Huge Jamaica infrastructure programme draws more ire

(Jamaica Gleaner) “It’s scandalous,” declared Oppo-sition Member of Parliament Everald Warmington after hearing that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration, of which he was a member, presided over an almost total commitment of Jamaica Development Infra-structure Programme (JDIP) funds.

Dr Omar Davies, the new minister of transport, works and housing, told the House of Representatives on Tuesday that only US$1.8 million of the US$400-million road programme’s funds have not been used up or committed.

“As at December 2011, the combination of funds actually disbursed, work orders certified for payment and the value of works committed, amounts to just over US$389 million,” Davies said.
“This means that, if as minister, I accepted the status quo, all but US$1.8 million of the US$400-million loan which was scheduled to be expended over a five-year programme would have been completely committed before the end of the second year of the programme,” Davies added.

The fiery Warmington, who is known for breaking ranks with his party in the House, said his comments about the use of the JDIP funds are appropriate “If it (what Davies has said) is so”.

“I don’t take it back,” he added, stressing that he was alarmed by the revelations.

US$209M spent

Davies told the House that up to December, payments made under the project combined with the value of work orders, which have been certified for payment, amounted to US$209.6 million. He also said information presented to him by officials of the National Works Agency indicates that additional funds have been committed for US$188.5 million.

In the meantime, former finance minister, now opposition spokesman on finance, Audley Shaw said the impression was being given to the House that US$389 million has been used up.

“The minister by his own admission has said that the remaining US$188 million would be subject to his review or possible reassignment, realignment … . I simply want to establish that and to say that the Opposition awaits the detailed report of the audit,” Shaw said.