-City Engineer tells M&CC meeting

THE lack of funds and materials is hindering the City Engineer’s Department from executing a number of critical works in Georgetown, City Engineer, Colvern Venture, said on Monday.

Venture made this revelation after the issue of a broken valve at the Stabroek Market, which has caused flooding, and some unfinished infrastructural work in Albouystown were brought to light during the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) statutory meeting.

Venture told the gathering that the Council’s Finance Department has not provided any funds and this has resulted in the stalling of critical works.

He informed that he made three attempts to procure the valve but his requisitions went unanswered. One of the requests were made to the Finance Department in December 2019.

Venture explained that an amount of $88,000 would have remedied the situation with the valve if his requisition was acted upon.

He stated that in 2020 he made two other requisitions concerning the valve but to date there has been no response and the suppliers’ price has since increased to over $100,000.

Meanwhile, City Mayor, Ubraj Narine, in response to the City Engineer, expressed belief that the delay was caused by a breakdown in communication and the failure of the internal administration.

The Mayor indicated to Venture that his responses/excuses are not acceptable as he should have reported the delays to the City Council or called an administrative meeting with the relevant departments to get the issues that were raised resolved.
However, Venture said that while it is his task to inform the responsible department of the materials needed, it is the Finance Department’s duty to purchase and supply the necessities to the varying departments to facilitate the works.

Venture also disclosed that the materials requisitioned have not been forthcoming from the Finance Department and he reminded the Mayor that he had indeed brought the issue to the Council on numerous occasions in writing and during statutory meetings.

Venture told those present at the meeting that the Engineer’s Department can only execute work when it is given the materials, tools, requested items and the relevant funds. He said in the absence of such, there is not much he or his department can do to address the issues raised by the Council or the citizens of Georgetown.