REGION One’s Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has been able to complete 85 per cent of developmental projects that were earmarked for 2019 despite the numerous challenges.
This is according to the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Randy Storm. In a statement from the regional office, Storm said when he was appointed the region’s REO in January 2019, he inherited 17 projects.

“I inherited 17 2018 projects from my predecessor and I immediately sought in ensuring that they were completed, because I firmly believe that government projects should be completed in a timely and professional manner,” he said.

While the regional administration made a deliberate effort to execute identified developmental projects, Storm said there was resistance from some who are of the opinion that there is no government in place.

This, he reported, has led to several incomplete projects being rolled over to 2020. “Practically, we have until the 31st of December (to request for roll over) and I am working very hard along with my staff to ensure that we can secure the roll over as these projects will certainly bring value to the region and most importantly the residents,” Storm said.
The repairs to the Hosororo Primary School, which are being done at the cost of $2.5M, are among projects to be completed in the New Year.

At a recent Christmas Luncheon, it was brought to Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence’s attention that school children are left little choice other than to use a dilapidated bridge which stretches across the Barbima Creek. During the rainy season, it poses an even greater threat to the lives of the children. A new and safer bridge will be constructed at a cost of $8M.

Additionally, the Canal Bank Primary is expected to be completed and handed over by the Minister of Education on or before January 6, 2020. That project is being executed to the tune of $2.2M.

According to the REO, projects which were approved by the National Tender and Procurement Administration (NPTA) is expected to be completed soon with the Port Kaituma Primary School set to be completed for the opening of the January, 2020 school term. That project, the REO disclosed, is being executed to the cost of $53M. Similar works are being done at the Port Kaituma Secondary School. That project, which is valued at $42M, will be completed in February, 2020.

“It is important to note that these projects are roll overs and these projects were only able to get moving in mid-October after we were able to secure a new engineer in the region. I must thank Minister Ferguson who played a pivotal role in securing the new engineer after the previous engineer was bent on a go slow after being told by persons that the government is illegal,” REO Storm said.

He added: “Several projects were moving at snail pace as it was evident that the previous engineer was bent on stalling progress and after Minister Ferguson visited in June and conducted investigations, she secured the new engineer in October. It was then, together with the staff, we got moving resulting in several projects being completed and some rolling over.”.

He further noted that the enclosing of the bottom flat of the RDC Secretariat for Conference Hall is moving apace. That project is being constructed to the tune of $10.9M and will be completed on December 31.

According to the REO, the presence of an engineer, in the person of Murwin Allison, has resulted in an acceleration of regional projections.

“We are very pleased to have Mr. Allison who has, thus far, demonstrated a zeal and willingness to get the work done and this is the kind of attitude that we need urgently in this region which is highly political. I continue to endeavor to the staff that irrespective of their political affiliation that they have a responsibility to the government and people of this region to execute their professional duties in a balance and mature manner as their actions can either help in building and or destroying lives,” Storm said.