Contracts to be advertised following discussions between REO and RC

Region 5’s stalled 2016 work programme

After a period of inaction, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Roderick Edinboro has finally promised to advertise contracts for the region’s 2016 work programme. This came after reports that this year’s budgetary allocations to advance the programme were left in limbo even as approval had long since been passed in the National Assembly.

The REO on Tuesday met with Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal to discuss the issues. In the meeting, which saw Ramphal outlining justifications for the programme’s implementation, Edinboro revealed that in two weeks, the Government will advertise contracts for the maintenance and improvement of the region’s agricultural infrastructure. He explained that necessary documentation was not finished in a timely manner and noted that the bill of quantity needed revising.
Meanwhile, the Regional Chairman welcomed the move to advertise the contracts and said that he is hopeful that residents will be able to benefit from the services the region has to offer.
Guyana Times was told that many of the contractors have been awaiting the renewal of their compliances. Regional Vice Chairman Rion Peters had alleged that some of the region’s contactors are not affiliated with the current Administration, and as such, “delaying tactics” were used to “accommodate those contactors”.
Peters had previously called on the REO to “strategically and swiftly” implement the region’s work programme to bring relief to residents.
For weeks now many farmers in the area have lost much acreage of rice and cash crops and have long been calling on the Government and the relevant agencies to assist them in their plight. Regional Vice Chairman Peters on Thursday last complained that it was over a month since the region could acquire the benefits from this year’s approved sums.
It was previously noted that the region has been going through “immense hardships” as a result of the non-approval of the funds. This newspaper had reported that the region’s infrastructure is poor, there is a lack of improved services and that the agriculture sector is dwindling.
In February, the $230 billion National Budget was passed and it was cited that it would improve the lives of citizens.
This year’s budget was presented under the theme “Stimulating Growth, Restoring Confidence. The Good Life Beckons.”