REGIONAL Executive Officer (REO) of Region 10, Gavin Clarke, is optimistic that the $3.1 B that was allocated for 2017, will be expended as the region is completing current and capital projects in a timely manner, as well as expending the $1.6 B that was allocated for the region’s ‘other charges’.

Clarke explained at the Regional Democratic Council’s statutory meeting, that out of the entire $3.1 B budget, $1.6 B is to be used for other charges under the various programmes. Out of that, the region has expended $611. 5 M- a total of 37%. On the capital side of the budget, the region has expended 14% of the total funds while 44% has been expended on the current projects. While 15% of the capital budget has been spent, Clarke explained that there are a number of payment vouchers that are in process and the RDC has made request for additional releases to be made. “In my estimation, I see us being able to pull off our budget,” he affirmed.

Clarke was at the time responding to questions asked by Councillor Sandra Adams who revealed that Minister Jordan has made it clear that regional budgetary allocations for 2018 will not be any more than what was released in 2017. In addition, if the region did not expend all of the funds for 2017, the 2018 allocation will be less than 2017. Adams, therefore urged the administration to expedite spending so as not to be short-changed in 2018.

Some of the capital projects that are to be completed in 2017 include the construction of several roads including Wallaba Road at Christianburg; Boulevard Avenue at Amelia’s Ward; 2nd Cross Street Amelia’s Ward; Farm to Market Road at West Watooka; Daggarad Avenue and Upper Green Heart Street. A total of $368.272M was budgeted for public infrastructure while $55 M has been allocated for repairs to be done to current roads. Other infrastructural projects include the construction of the drain at Manni Street, Mackenzie; desilting of the SilverBalli Creek; the construction of two schools at the community of Bamia located on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway; the first phase of the construction of a new RDC building and the purchasing of an ambulance for Rockstone.

Calls for the timely release of tenders
Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, has called on the National Tender and Procurement Administration Board (NTPAB) to release tenders sent by the regional administration in a timely manner, since the long wait stymies progress in the region. Morian said that he has written to the Minister of Finance about the matter since the Region would push off its tenders very early. “These things reflect very negative on the region and I need their support in getting the National Tender Board to move very quickly in awarding these tenders,” Morian said.

REO Clarke said while he doesn’t want to cast blames around, tenders are being awarded months after being sent; in some cases, four months after. “In some cases more often than not,” he said. “These things can stymie a few of our projects.”