The Committee of Supply yesterday approved the $1.819 billion in proposed spending for the Region Five Regional Democratic Council (RDC) this year following clarifications offered by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker about the allocations.
Members of the opposition raised concerns about various points of interest, including public works, education and drainage and irrigation maintenance in the region.
AFC MP Dr Veerasammy Ramayya asked about the rental and maintenance of buildings to the tune of $6 million and he questioned why this expenditure was placed under two different headings. Whittaker explained that the sum of $6 million was for maintenance of buildings and that an additional $300,000 was for janitorial services and cleaning supplies.
Former Commissioner of Police and APNU MP Winston Felix asked the minister how monies dedicated for national and other events would be expended. Whittaker said that the monies will be spent on Mashramani to the tune of $1 million; the independence anniversary, $175,000; Indian Arrival Day, $75,000; Emancipation Day, $75,000; and Amerindian Heritage Month, $83,000.
AFC MP Khemraj Ramjattan asked the minister why expenditure for security services went up by $3 million. Whittaker said that the increase in the cost is because of the fact that there are now additional guards required and also additional escort duties. When asked, he identified Strategic Action Security Service as the firm contracted to provide security.
APNU’s Jennifer Wade, meanwhile, asked the minister whether works earmarked for 2013 included the Bygeval Secondary School teachers’ quarters, which was recently destroyed by fire. Whittaker said that the school was not on his list. Asked whether there was an emergency plan for the replacement of the living quarters, he said that he was not in a position to give that kind of commitment.
In agriculture, Dr Ramayya asked in which areas would there be maintenance of drainage and irrigation works and Whittaker identified Blairmont, Rosignol, Bath, Novar, and D’Edward as being among the areas slated for such works.
Wade asked the minister to name roads to be maintained and how the monies would be allocated for this purpose. Whittaker said that there are six roads slated for repairs and gave the allocation for each road.
APNU MP Ronald Bulkan asked the minister to explain the expenditure of $6 million slated for a boat and engine. “Could the honourable minister advise where and for what purpose these would be used?” Bulkan asked. Whittaker said the boat will be used to transport approximately 40 students who live in the riverain area of Mahaicony Creek and who have to traverse 10 miles or more daily to and from school.
