Region 2 projects moving at a snail’s pace

… implementation of Budget 2016 lagging – Regional Chairman

The implementation of Region Two’s budget has been moving at a snail’s pace, and scores of residents living in the agricultural region from Pomeroon to Supenaam have been complaining bitterly as many of the bridges and roads are still to be fixed.

In total, Region Two’s overall budget for 2016 is $3,432,836,000 which includes Capital and current expenditure.
According to Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, as of November 30, 2016, only 85 per cent of the budget or $2.9 billion was utilised.
During an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Ramdatt reminded that last year, approximately $79 million was sent back to the National Treasury. As a result, many beneficial projects which could have enhanced the livelihood of residents were not executed.
He further explained that only 79 per cent of road maintenance works were completed.
The Regional Chairman said many residents are visiting his office expressing their concerns over the condition of several roads and areas that are filled with pot holes.
“There is still much to be done with regards to the maintenance of bridges, drainage and irrigation works and maintenance of infrastructure,” Ramdatt added.
In relation to all the unspent monies, the Regional Chairman registered his concern that if there is not a timely utilisation of funds, then the region will see the allocation being sent back to the national coffers.
Residents and farmers will then be denied meaningful developmental projects, he stressed.
Residents are therefore calling on the Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, to ensure that the monies allocated for Region Two are spent wisely, to ensure the continued progress in all sectors within the region.