– Minister Ali tells National Assembly
Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, during the voting process for approval of estimates for 2010 in the National Assembly, Thursday, responded to questions posed by People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) members with respect to expenditures.
The party’s member Mervyn Williams stated that the Ministry lacks the capacity to supervise the construction of roads and inquired why the sum of $337.5M was not put under the purview of the Ministry of Public Works and Communication for that purpose.
Minister Ali refuted his statement and declared that the Ministry’s capacity to implement and supervise road projects has been greatly enhanced.
He noted that the Inter-American Development Bank has now entrusted the Ministry with the design, implementation and supervision of all the projects funded under their programme which is in excess of $2B.
The Minister indicated that he believes that the Ministry has the capacity and is capable of effecting such tasks.
Winston Murray, PNCR member, asked whether the sum of $250M will conclude the rehabilitation of the sewage system.
Minister Ali observed, “the allocation will cater for the rehabilitation of 24 pumping stations and installation of 24 pumps.”
“ This does not cover the entire sewage system and this is within the existing loan. What we have this year is the master plan that will be completed and that will give us a sound understanding of the gap analysis as to what is needed as against where we want to be,” he said.
It was noted that a further loan will be needed for the conclusion of the sewage system rehabilitation. (GINA)