Government moves to ensure effective implementation of PSIP

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, February 8, 2018

In an effort to fast-track the implementation of the Public-Sector Improvement Programme (PSIP) in 2018, the government will now hold monthly statutory meetings with Permanent Secretaries and technical officers from the Ministry of Finance to ensure efficient disbursement of PSIP funds.

The PSIP is the main mechanism for the government’s capital programme spending. It is the budgeting and strategic planning tool available to translate the administration’s policies and plans into tangible projects and programmes.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, today, revealed that a significant sum of money allocated under the PSIP in 2015, 2016 and 2017, were not efficiently disbursed and several contracts had been poorly administered and had rolled-over. It is against this backdrop that cabinet resolved to institute all measures necessary, to ensure contracts awarded under the programme will be executed in a timely manner and appropriate penalties are applied to defaulters.

In his weekly press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, the State Minister explained that during the recently concluded meeting with the Permanent Secretaries and technical officers, involved a review of spending for 2017, and work plans for 2018. The review of spending for 2017 included an overall analysis of the PSIP, overturn for the fiscal year (2017), projects execution rates at the half year 2017 and the PSIP expenditure by the month end 2018.

“For the 2018 work plan the following were presented; preparations for procurement plans for all agencies, a format for PSIP monitoring reports, and a format for preparations for various analysis. Also, highlighted for effective short-term spending are the following; prioritising disbursement for small nontechnical projects, while planning for large technical contracts, compulsory training for relevant staff, institutional strengthening and improved working relations for relevant agencies,” Minister Harmon said.

The State Minister also highlighted issues that affected the efficient and timely spending of PSIP funds. It was, however, noted that there have been improvements in the performance of the various ministries for which the Permanent Secretaries were commended.

Projects and programmes under the PSIP represent investments in the country’s economic and social infrastructure. It is also designed to improve the standard of living of the citizens and provide the foundation for economic growth and human development.

As the capital expenditure component of the National Budget, the PSIP is focused on projects and programmes that would achieve sustainable development.

 

By: Synieka Thorne

 

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