US$21.2M spent so far on urban development
- programme ends in March
Stabroek News
December 31, 2006
The Urban Development Programme (UDP) which rolled out seven years ago and was phased in two parts is nearing its termination date and while much work is still to be completed it has recorded progress in a few areas.
Close to US$21.2M has been exhausted to date on road and rehabilitation works across the country some of which are still ongoing. By March 2007 when the programme officially comes to an end another US$3.8M would have been spent.
In addition, municipalities in all six towns are adjusting to major changes with respect to how they handle budgets, conduct business with the public and manage funds as result of UDP, and a proposal has since been made for the transfer process of funds from central government to the municipalities to be equitable.
When the UDP year-end report was read on Thursday to members of the media, Brivlall Rampersaud, Institutional Strengthening Officer of UDP, said they were able to wrap up work in a number of areas but were still working to have certain things in place. He said the transfer process of the funds was one such, adding that it needs to be fairer and take into consideration the population, geographical size and collection rate of the various municipalities.
He said the UDB has not only reviewed the operations of municipalities but had many key proposals implemented such as the development of business plans for each municipality and a budget process.
But there have been challenges to the programme overall such as difficulties in accessing cement, quarry products and even greenheart.
Project Coordinator Fredrick Flatts noted that greenheart was a problem in Berbice so other timbers had to be substituted so work could be completed.
Getting the public involved in municipality affairs was listed as another challenge to the programme since many persons in some areas did not show interest. According to Rampersaud, many persons were just sitting on the "waste side".
Rampersaud said they have developed a programme in municipalities which includes public participation. He said the feedback so far has been good since many persons responded positively in a number of areas.
Of much concern in municipalities were the by-laws and after a review it was found that many of the laws were outdated and there was room for the creation of new laws. Three by-laws have been amended and accepted by the councils and the Minister of Local Government.
He said some of those reviewed included the market, vending and abattoir by-laws among others, and much of the amendments had to do with fees since most were outdated. So far Rose Hall; Corriverton and Anna Regina have approved the amended by-laws.
Another area of concern is sustainability after the programme comes to an end. Rampersaud said the Municipal Service Division was set up in April 2004 and had been operational since then. This unit monitors how things are going in the various areas and is there to ensure that the work continues.
In terms of the road projects, Flatts said work has been completed in Norton and Robb streets in the city while works are near completion in North Ruimveldt; West Ruimveldt; Tucville; Festival City and South Ruimveldt Gardens and Park.
He said works have also been carried out in Agricola, Houston, Albouystown and Castello Housing Scheme. Across the country the project has been able to facilitate rehabilitation works on the Corriverton market; the New Amsterdam town hall and the McKenzie market in Linden in addition to road works in all these areas.