– Minister Whittaker

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker has indicated that the Kaieteur News story, in its July 10 edition, headlined “Govt to buy truck for four times the cost” is misleading.The Minister explained during a press conference last Friday that the cost is indeed given as US$436,803 and funded by the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB) which has approved it.  He pointed out, however, that the cost does not merely cover a truck.
Minister Whittaker pointed that the following equipment is included in the cost – a chassis with 32 tons capacity with double front and rear axles; hook lift equipment; an auxiliary crane; 10 closed top containers 15x4x8 feet; one open top container, 15x8x4 feet and spare parts.
Also included in the cost is the provision for training for four staff members for which the manufacturer is providing the training.
Moreover, Whittaker noted that all the pieces of equipment are new.