-market tarmacs, staff training among areas to be targeted
THE 2011 budget estimates for the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development were, on Wednesday, approved by the National Assembly following several questions raised by opposition Members of Parliament and answered by the Government side. Among the  projects for the ministry in 2011 that will receive significant attention are security enhancement, staff training and creation of a website.
The increase in salaries budgeted to the ministry was a major issue raised by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member of Parliament, Ernest Elliot, as he questioned the rationale for this. In response, Local Government Minister Kellawan Lall stated that the monies will go towards salary increases for staff and  new employment.
When questioned about the need for the increase in security personnel, he pointed out that this will cater for the employment of residential security for the Local Government Minister and other senior ministry officials.
As it relates to the increase of $1.2M for projects which fall under capital expenditures, Minister Lall said that the sum will be expended on the creation of the ministry’s website, data base, Information Communication Technology and payment for internet connections.
Elliot also questioned the increase in the number of staff to be trained which include personnel and elected members of the municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.  Minister Lall in clearing the misconception stated that the decision took effect after a visit to the mining town by himself and the PNC/R Leader Robert Corbin.
Meanwhile, Minister Lall on the issue of market tarmacs to be constructed by Government indicated that $17.5M will go towards the completion of the tarmac at Plaisance $4.2M- for Buxton; $20M for Haslington and $134 M on the Mahaica tarmac.
The construction of the Tipperary Hall at Buxton will also cost government approximately $36M. It will be completed in August this year. (GINA)