Region Four estimates approved

GINA, GUYANA, Thursday, December 15, 2016

The $5.881B budgetary estimates for Region Four, Demerara Mahaica, were approved today following examination by the Committee of Supply. The Region’s, Regional Democratic Council (RDC)  intends to further collaborate with subject ministries in executing sectoral responsibilities while ensuring that the best level of education, health, infrastructural, agricultural and administrative services are delivered to residents of the region.

Budgetary allocations in the respective sectors (programmes) are as follows:

• Regional administration and finance – $ 220. 443M
• Agriculture – $ 379. 950M
• Public Infrastructure-works – $ 210. 968M
• Education delivery – $ 2.978B
• Health services – $ 503. 140M

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, outlined a number of projects that are to be undertaken in 2017, within the respective sectors. Some of these projects are:

• Regional Administration – Major rehabilitative works are expected to be carried on the RDC building at Triumph, East Coast of Demerara. Rehabilitation will include new electrical systems, and roof and water trestle. Furniture and equipment for the building will also be purchased. Current expenditure includes the payment of staff in a number of areas.

• Agriculture – a number of timber revetments will be constructed at Nabaclis, Hand-en-Veldt, Mahaica and Alliance among others. Other finances will go towards the maintenance of drainage and irrigation works within the region.

• Public Works (infrastructure) – The maintenance of roads and bridges is facilitated in the 2017 budget while other bridges will be rehabilitated and roads upgraded. Regional buildings falling under the purview of this regional administration will benefit from continued maintenance in this budget.

• Education Delivery – The payment of sweeper cleaners, examination supervisors and invigilators has been factored into the region’s budget. Meanwhile a number of roll- over projects will be completed under this sector. Additionally, schools will be supplied with musical instruments to promote the rich and diverse musical culture that is currently being developed.

• Health Services – New health facilities are expected to be constructed in this region while others that have started this year will be completed in 2017. Additional medical support equipment such as trolleys and feotal dopplers will be purchased to enhance health care provision. A drug bond at a cost of $7.6M is also expected to be constructed at Paradise on the East Coast of Demerara to store small quantities of pharmaceuticals for the region.

Most information in relation to infrastructural works such as construction and maintenance of schools, health centres, and regional buildings that was requested by opposition Members of Parliament will be presented to them by way of submission of documents with such information. Meanwhile other information with regards to staff profiles, emoluments and pay schemes will also be submitted to the opposition.

 

By: Delicia Haynes