MINISTER within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker and some staff members from that ministry visited a number of municipalities over the past three weeks. He reported, earlier this week, that the destinations included Linden and Corriverton and, at the former, focus was on projects undertaken by the Interim Management Committees (IMC) in 2012.
Whittaker said, high on the agenda were the issues of vending and solid waste management both of which were dealt with and the municipality, as well as residents, were reminded that the ministry has been in discussion with authorities and a bid was won by a capable contractor to take charge of the issues.
He added that residents and the IMC were encouraged to work with the contractor.
Whittaker emphasised that revenue collection is very necessary as local government organs cannot survive on the government subventions alone and the ministry will seek to intensify efforts to aid in the collection of rates and taxes.

RECORDS EXAMINED
He said the records were examined and the revenue collected was just above 50 percent, far from what is required, as there are more services the ministry needs to provide for citizens and the subvention may not be enough.
According to the minister, the Wismar Market was deemed underutilised upon inspection. However, there were recommendations made to have a closely situated car parking facility.
Whittaker said, at Corriverton, there were similar issues, except that there were requests from residents to remove roadside vendors.
The minister said he met with some of them and it is apparent that the illegal roadside vendors wish to regularise their practice and have expressed the desire but asked for infrastructural improvements in the market complex and raised matters such as leaking roof, fixing of the flooring and provision of washroom facilities.
Municipalities depend on market revenue and do not focus on other revenue including rates and taxes and this should not be so, as use of the market revenue has its own usage, Whittaker insisted.

A NUISANCE
He said the Ministry wishes to bring an end to roadside vending which is a nuisance to everyone.
Additionally, he disclosed that the municipalities that were visited as well as the Georgetown City Council have submitted their approved estimates for 2013.
However, they have to be thoroughly examined to meet the really needed requirements and reflect the wishes of the residents of the area and meetings were and still are being held on the views of those persons.