REGION Three has achieved 100 per cent completion of its 2017 projects, with the full support of the local organs, according to Regional Executive Officer (REO) Denis Jaikaran.

“I say that last year was a success because of the fact that we (regional administration) were able to complete the capital and recurring expenditure projects, in good time, before December. As it relates to the capital expenditure, I must say that the mere fact that all of the projects have been completed, we still have payments to be made for two buildings which will be the special needs school and the storage facilities at the Department of Education,” the REO explained.

Jaikaran stressed that the completion included rehabilitation and construction of roads, cleaning of the drainage and irrigation trenches, among other projects. He noted that the administration hopes to extend the services to other communities that have been overlooked by the previous administration.

The region was allocated $5.050B in the 2018 national budget of which $17.600M was assigned to Regional Administration and Finance; $48.700M for Agriculture; $179.100M to Education; $104.168M to Health Services; and $65.500M to Public Works. Under public works, the region saw the construction and furnishing of a special needs school at Schoonord, the completion of the region’s Department of Education building and the construction of a cold storage unit at Plantain Walk.

Under Education, the construction and enclosure of teachers living quarters at Great Troolie were completed, as well as the construction of headmaster’s quarters at schools in Northern Hogg Island, Caria Caria, Upper Bonasika and Western Hogg Island. Jaikaran stated that the good standing between his administration and local organs within the region has assisted significantly in the completion and support of the works slated last year.

“In June 2017, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) initiated the 2018 budget for the region and they received submissions. These were submitted to the administration and we were able to complete it and went back to the RDC. They gave us their blessings, so all in all the RDC played a significant role in what took part in the region for 2017.”

The REO said he plans to build on the relationship with the local organs, particularly with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).