MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall yesterday met with the Regional Executive Officers of the ten administrative regions in the Ministry’s boardroom, Kingston to address the progress of developmental works in the various regions.
Minister Lall said the REOs are considered the “general superintendents” of the regions in which they operate and as such it was within their purview to be concerned with development and the pace of it, in their respective areas.
The capital works programme in Regions 3, 5 and 9 came under particular scrutiny as some challenges with their execution were exposed.
It was agreed that no efforts would be spared to ensure that these programmes were fast tracked and completed in a timely manner.
Generally, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the works in most of the regions, based on the reports submitted by the respective REOs. In at least 5 of the regions, most of the capital works programme is more than 50% completed. In Region 5, the capital works programme is nearing completion.
All of the REOs were mandated to have current works on school buildings completed during the August vacation period.
Yesterday too, the REOs were introduced to the Ministry’s new Permanent Secretary, Nigel Dharamlall.
Also present at the meeting was former acting Permanent Secretary Seewchan.  (GINA)