THE Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development (LGRD) has identified a number of important issues hindering the delivery of computable services at the level of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and municipalities throughout the country.At a recent press conference at the Ministry’s Kingston office, Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Norman Whittaker, outlined that these issues must be addressed towards ensuring better delivery of services to citizens in 2014.

Minister Whittaker stressed that, going into 2014, the LGRD Ministry would like to see more interaction between the municipalities and the residents. He said that in 2013, none of the municipalities performed to the ministry’s expectation; and moreover, they were unable to realise the budgeted amount of revenue due to a number of reasons.

The minister said those reasons included the lack of effort by councillors and the attitude of residents towards paying. He deemed the scarce interaction between residents and councillors a “cut-off”, and advised that improved interaction would provide better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the councils, and the projects they are implementing.

He emphasised the need for councillors to plan effectively and execute those plans efficiently if the projects are to be successful.

Minister Whittaker said that a vision of the LGRD Ministry regarding municipalities in 2014 is to see them establish a proactive debt collection department, to reach out in compassionate ways to those owing outstanding debts and impressing on them the challenges faced by the ministry and the need and importance for the revenue to be collected. Debt collectors should be actively involved, as, when persons see services, they would be encouraged to pay their debts, the minister said.

He outlined that the ministry appreciates the need for re-evaluation of properties, as buildings that were previously classified as residential need to be re-classified because they may be business operations, and this reclassification will ensure an increase in revenue as well.

He encouraged councillors to brainstorm ideas to effectively carry out this initiative.

Permanent Secretary of the LGRD Ministry, Collin Croal, noted that the ministry intends to work more and see a better level of transparency and timely preparation of minutes at the level of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs).

He also emphasised the need for accountability within the entities.

He highlighted the RDC’s role in the regional tender board, in implementation of the district tender boards, and in the Local Government Election as those that would see meetings between the ministry and the RDCs in 2014.

Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud, added that the LGRD ministry’s vision for the NDCs is focused on enhancing their revenue base.

He disclosed that the LGRD Ministry would be working with all 65 NDCs, within the first quarter of the year, to establish 17 district tender boards which would deal with procurement of goods and services within the parameters of $100,000 to $249,999.

The ministry would also work with the NDCs in 2014 to enhance community relations and expand their regional solid waste programme; and officers at various levels will also have the advantage of accessing training.
Written By Savitri Laikram