SEVERAL regions’ budgets were recently approved by the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly. With the approved sum of $6.1B, Region Six, East Berbice-Corentyne, will benefit from improved infrastructure in the areas of roads, bridges, agriculture, health-care delivery and educational facilities.

The allocated sum will be spent as follows: Regional Administration and Finance – $169M; Agriculture – $823M; Infrastructure – $414M; Education delivery – $2.882M; Health services -$1.809M.

Under infrastructure, several roads, bridges and government buildings will be rehabilitated, constructed and maintained. Bridges, including the Vibert Bridge at East Bank Berbice (EBB), the Calber Bridge and the New Vigilante Bridge, among others, will be repaired; while a heavy-duty bridge at Whim and a footpath bridge at Chesney, Albion will be constructed to benefit the residents in those areas.

Several roads in New Amsterdam, on the East Bank Berbice and at Blairmont, among other areas across the region, will be rehabilitated and constructed into concrete and asphaltic roads.

For agriculture, drainage and irrigation works will be carried out, including backfilling and repairs to revetments and excavators. Some of the funds allocated for agriculture will also go towards providing lubricants for excavators and mini-excavators, and fuel for drainage and irrigation pumps, among others.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Zulfikar Mustapha then questioned the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, on whether the excavators are operational and what measures will be put in place to deter pilfering of fuel. Minister Bulkan responded that all the excavators catered for are operational, and pilfering is not considered a major issue for the region, since fuel is currently being transported by boat and is being monitored by an officer, and routine checks are made periodically.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo asked the Communities Minister how much from the budgeted $385M in 2016 was spent on drugs and medical supplies. Minister Bulkan responded that approximately $60M were spent for the acquisition of all medical supplies except oxygen gas for the New Amsterdam Hospital. The oxygen was purchased through the Ministry of Health.

The remainder of the money was given to the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) and Caribbean Meditron, among other agencies.

In a follow-up question, Dr. Mahadeo noted that the $385M that was budgeted last year still had still seen many instances of drug shortages and lack of supply in the region. He asked whether the $400M budgeted in 2017 would be adequate to provide drugs and supplies. Minister Bulkan responded that there may have been few instances of drug shortages, but the $400M allocated is anticipated to meet the pharmaceutical needs.

Additionally, Minister Bulkan revealed that works will be carried out on the New Amsterdam, Skeldon and Siparuta Hospitals in 2017. Several schools and hostels will also be rehabilitated in the new year, while several teachers are expected to benefit from training to improve competence and enhance their teaching methodology. (GINA)